Mount Prospect Police Department Sells Decommissioned Patches for Charity

Strategic Insights -

The Mount Prospect Police Department is using the community's negative reaction to the "thin blue line" police patch to raise money for a good cause. The patch, which some deemed a symbol of white supremacy, was removed following a contentious vote by the village board. The police department is now selling the decommissioned patches for $10-$15 each, with proceeds benefiting the 100 Club of Illinois, which supports families of first responders killed in the line of duty.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Mount Prospect Police Department removed the "thin blue line" police patch in August after a 4-3 vote by the village board, despite objections from police officers and some residents.
  • Police Chief John Koziol came up with the idea to sell the decommissioned patches to raise money for the 100 Club of Illinois, after persuading the police officers' union to drop their plans to file a grievance over the removal.
  • The patches can be purchased at the police headquarters for $10-$15 each, with all proceeds going to the 100 Club of Illinois.
  • Village Trustee Peggy Pissarreck, who voted for the patch's removal, supports the sale but criticizes the police department's Facebook post for inaccurately stating that village board members "ordered" the department to decommission the patch.
  • Village Manager Michael Cassady disputed Pissarreck's claims, stating that the patches were removed at the direction of the elected board members.
  • The sale has received a positive response from the public, with Cassady noting that the 100 Club of Illinois is a "more appropriate charitable organization" to support.

Statistics:

  • The police department is selling decommissioned patches for $10-$15 each.
  • The proceeds will benefit the 100 Club of Illinois, a charity that supports families of first responders killed in the line of duty.
  • The vote to remove the patch was 4-3 by the village board.
  • The police officers' union was initially planning to file a grievance over the removal of the patch.

Sources:

  • The Mount Prospect Police Department's Facebook page.
  • Steve Zalusky, "Mount Prospect police sale decommissioned patches to raise money for charity," Daily Herald, [No date mentioned].
  • Village Trustee Peggy Pissarreck.
  • Village Manager Michael Cassady.
  • Police Chief John Koziol.