Dupage Policy Journal

The Bartlett Village Board celebrated its first responders from the past and present during a meeting held on May 2.

The Board unveiled three special proclamations relating to members of the Bartlett Police Department (BDP). First, they celebrated the retirement of two officers: Eric Roger and Chris Solesky. Roger was first inducted into the BPD on May 4, 1999, launching a career that spanned 24 years. According to Board President Kevin Wallace, Roger “served in many roles at the police department, including patrol officer, directed patrol team officer, traffic unit investigations, field training officer, juvenile officer, and truck enforcement officer”. Wallace also credited Roger with improving the BPD's safety and capabilities regarding transportation and traffic accidents. Other accomplishments by Roger include winning "2006 Police Officer of the Year", the 2007 "Cook County Sheriff's Merit Award," a "Lifesaving" award, and five "Employee of the Month" awards.

Solesky first joined the BPD on January 12, 1998, and served as a patrol officer, detective, and supervisor during his 25 years of service. Wallace applauded him for the high quality of the Department's officers.

“For 18 years of his career, Christopher served as a field training officer, during which time he played a critical role in training and mentoring of probationary officers, which directly affected the overall professionalism and effectiveness of officers serving the village," Wallace said. Like Roger, Solesky has a long list of accomplishments, including winning "Police Officer of the Year" in 2009 and 2019, a Medal of Valor, a "Cook County Sheriff's Merit Award", three "Lifesaving" awards, and ten "Employee of the Month" awards.

"The members of the Bartlett Police Department play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of citizens of Bartlett," said Board Trustee Renee Suwanski.

The Board also proclaimed that May 14th through 20th would be Police Officer Week, with May 15th being National Peace Officers Day. Suwanski read the proclamation, which thanked the BPD for their willingness “to serve the people by safeguarding life and property, by protecting them against violence and disorder, and by protecting the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression or intimidation.”