[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E557-E558]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING POLICE CHIEF WILLIAM VILLANOVA FOR RECEIVING THE 2012 
                     POLICE CHIEF OF THE YEAR AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 17, 2012

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief William 
Villanova for receiving the

[[Page E558]]

2012 Police Chief of the Year award from the Illinois State Crime 
Commission and for his thirty-five years of exceptional service to the 
citizens of Oak Lawn.
  Chief Villanova first joined the Oak Lawn Police Department on March 
22nd, 1977, and quickly earned the respect of officers and village 
officials alike with his caring, methodical, and unselfish work. In his 
first year alone, Chief Villanova made 7 felony arrests and 11 
misdemeanor arrests, and issued 52 traffic and 74\1/2\ village 
ordinance citations. Continuing his record of excellence, Chief 
Villanova went on to earn several awards of distinction including the 
Police Club Officer of the Year in 1991 and the Cook County Sheriff's 
Law Enforcement Award of Merit in 1997.
  In addition to his many achievements, Chief Villanova has also 
bravely served in times of great danger. In 1978, Chief Villanova 
negotiated with an estranged spouse to diffuse a hostage situation 
which resulted in the victim being released unharmed. Also, in 1980, 
Chief Villanova persuaded a suicidal subject to surrender. And in 2005, 
Chief Villanova successfully prevented an armed robbery of an Oak Lawn 
jewelry store. I speak not only for myself, but also the community, 
when I thank Chief Villanova for all of his hard work and dedication to 
the Village of Oak Lawn.
  Chief Villanova has touched countless lives as a police officer, 
leader, and mentor. It is fitting that such an upstanding member of 
society should receive the high honor of Police Chief of the Year. This 
prestigious award is cause for celebration for Chief Villanova and his 
family, including his wife Linda, three children, and five 
grandchildren. Please join me in congratulating Police Chief William 
Villanova for his outstanding achievement and career of service.

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