[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 197 (Thursday, December 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1668]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE CAREER AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF HICKORY HILLS POLICE CHIEF 
                            ALAN T. VODICKA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 13, 2018

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Alan T. 
Vodicka and recognize his accomplishments as Chief of the Hickory Hills 
Police Department. Chief Vodicka's combined 42 years of service and 
dedication are nothing short of remarkable. As he prepares to retire, 
we cannot help but admire his service and hope that his distinguished 
tenure stands as an example to all officers.
  Chief Alan Vodicka, a native Chicagoan raised in Mount Greenwood on 
the Southwest Side of the city, began his longstanding career with the 
Hickory Hills Police Department in 1976 after earning a B.A. from the 
University of Illinois Chicago Circle Campus that same year. Throughout 
his time with the Hickory Hills Police Department, he has served in 
many capacities, ranging from a Patrol and Juvenile Officer to 
Supervisor of Investigation, with his career eventually culminating in 
a promotion to Chief of Police in 2001. He has also served as President 
of the 5th District Chief of Police and the Hickory Hills Pension 
Board, Chairman of the 5th District SWAT, and Director for both the 
Southwest Major Crimes Task Force and the South Suburban Major Crimes 
Task Force.
  Chief Vodicka also earned an M.A. in Criminal Justice from the 
University of Illinois Chicago, an M.Ed. from the University of 
Illinois in Instructional Leadership, and studied at the Illinois Law 
Enforcement Executive Institute. He has shared his expertise with 
others, serving as a member of the faculty at Moraine Valley Community 
College and as Vice President of the North Palos School District 117 
Board. He takes pride in working with various civic organizations and 
particularly enjoys engaging with youth. As an active volunteer coach 
with the Hickory Hills Park District and the Hickory Hills Youth 
Baseball, Chief Vodicka has shown a well-rounded and genuine commitment 
to his community.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Chief Alan T. Vodicka. 
This outstanding public servant has devoted his life to keeping the 
citizens of Hickory Hills safe and has improved the lives of countless 
individuals. I congratulate him on his accomplishments, thank him for 
his service, and wish him well in his future endeavors.

                          ____________________