Peter Hennessy

In August 2024, I was asked to start an evening security position at Oak lawn Community High School. My duties are to assist with traffic control and general safety at school dismissal time, provide an armed presence in the school for evening events and maintain a safe atmosphere for students, staff, parents and community members who are present. I have been able to institute changes as we formed this job to better provide for the safety of many people. I do my job in a way to promote positive interactions with the students and their families, and to be a resource for those who need assistance.

I was promoted to police sergeant of patrol in January 2024. As a sergeant, I supervised daily operations of patrol units, ensuring compliance with departmental policies. I worked mainly on the street with the officers providing a positive role model and a support presence. I managed incident responses, deploying resources effectively to maintain public safety during emergencies. I reviewed incident reports that were submitted. I prepared use of force packets when an officer was put in a situation to use force on an individual. At times, I acted as the shift Watch Commander and ran the roll call trainings, entered shift rosters and changes into a database, and managed the phone calls and requests that came in during the shift.

I worked in the Patrol Division of the police department for 15 years. I was a Field Training Officer, a DARE Officer, a CPR/AED trainer and a bike officer over those years. In August 2013, I was transferred to the Detective Division and assigned as a School Resource Officer (SRO). I spent ten and one half years working at Oak Lawn Community High School (OLCHS) as the SRO. Those were the best times of my police career! I was the first SRO at OLCHS. I created my job there and was well-loved for it. I prioritized being a positive influence in the lives of the students. I gained the trust and respect of the staff and community. I worked on major events at the school, such as bomb and gun threats, collaborating with the FBI to identify those involved. I ran a surprise Active Shooter drill at the school. I taught CPR to the majority of the staff and coaches. I took part in saving the lives of two different students who went into cardiac arrest. I found a very rewarding role working in the school.

I worked as a patrol officer in New Lenox after completing the police academy. In my short time working there, I was made a field training officer (FTO). It is uncommon for a brand new officer to become an FTO, but New Lenox PD saw the leadership, competence and demeanor necessary for that role in me.