Friday, December 13, 2024

‘A Great Guy With a Can-Do Spirit’

Power is the MCC’s 2024 Police Officer of the Year

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post

CPD Officer Michael Power is no stranger to accolades.

In 14 years on the force, he has earned 80 honorable mentions, one Life Saving Award, one Chicago Police Officer of the month award and six Department Commendations.

Officer Michael Power

And this month he adds the Midway Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Police Officer of the Year honor.

He is a deserving recipient of the award, said Garfield Ridge business leader Al Cacciottolo, who nominated him.

“Officer Power is an excellent combination of a highly effective law enforcement official and a down-to-earth regular joe,” he said. “He’s a great guy with a can-do spirit. We’re fortunate to have him here.”

Power grew up in the Canaryville neighborhood, attending St. Gabriel School and then going on to St. Rita High School, where he graduated in 2002. He then attended Eastern Illinois University, earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology.

He still lives in Canaryville with his wife, Erin, and their children: Michael, 13, Martin, 8, and Molly, 6.

He has spent his years on the force in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District, on various shifts and in various capacities.

He enjoys it here.

“One of the best parts of the job is the camaraderie [among police officers],” Power says. “In some ways the 8th District is like a big family.”

In 2021 he became the district’s liaison to the business community—a tall order in a big, diverse district with as many as 3,000 licensed businesses.

“A lot of business owners live outside the community, so it’s valuable to them that Officer Power is around to keep them up to date on crime in the area,” Cacciottolo adds. “He is an important ally of business owners.”

Power is quick to return the compliment, especially relating to the Midway Chamber of Commerce, which has grown in recent years—quite a feat in a time when many city neighborhoods have chambers that are shadows of their former selves or gone altogether.

“The Midway Chamber is phenomenal,” he says. “I’ve never
seen anything quite like it. Their meetings are well attended, and their members appear active and involved [in Chamber affairs].”

MCC President Mary Ellen Brown says the Chamber’s members “feel safer and more secure knowing that police officers like Officer Power stand on guard for us. Day in and day out, our police work to alert us to crime patterns, offer useful advice on how to protect our employees and our property, and encourage business owners and managers to get more involved in helping make the community a safer and better place. That’s why we established the Police Officer of the Year award. We recognize that and want to encourage that by saluting people like Officer Power.”

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Thursday, December 12, 2024

‘Good People Live Here Among Us’

Moroko is the MCC’s 2024 Firefighter of the Year

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post

Garfield Ridge resident Lisa Moroko was taken aback when she learned she is the Midway Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Firefighter of the Year.

“I said, ‘Are you sure? I’m fresh, I’m just four years on the job.’”
Lisa Moroko and her son, Lucas.


The man who nominated her, Garfield Ridge resident Mike Doherty, the MCC’s 2022 Firefighter of the Year, was sure.

“She’s a good kid…smart, capable, the type of person who can get the job done,” he says. “I see her career moving forward in the years ahead. I have no doubt she’ll be a success…she is proof that good people live here among us in the neighborhood.”

Moroko is a lifelong resident of the community. She attended St. Symphorosa School and then went to Mother McAuley High School, where she graduated in 2006.

For a handful of years, she worked as a hair stylist, but she decided to go to school to train as an EMT with an eye on eventually going to nursing school.

“But I wanted to be a paramedic. I really wanted to be a paramedic,” she says. “I started doing ride time in the suburbs (with the Summit Fire Department) because I had to do it for school, and I was like, ‘I love this.’ It was awesome, just so different—and that’s when I decided to take the [Fire Department] test for Chicago (in 2014).”

Back home, her dad, Rick (a city Water Department employee), was skeptical.

“I was saying, ‘I’m going to be a fireman. I’m going to be a fireman.’ And my dad’s like, ‘Uh huh. Uh huh.’ A hair stylist going to be a fireman. Crazy, right? So he’s like, ‘I don’t know. Really? Really?’ And I said, ‘This is amazing. I’m doing this.’”

And do it she did.

It took a few years for her to get the call, but it came. She went through the CFD academy, and she started on the job on July 22, 2020.

Currently, she works as a part of Engine 13, Battalion 1, downtown near Columbus and Wacker.

The camaraderie impresses her.

“I’m so glad I’m there,” Moroko says. “I am so lucky with the guys I work with. They are the most respectful. I mean, I played sports (water polo) in high school. It’s not like I was some kind of girly-girl.

“I enjoy spending time with them. We’ve all become friends. We hang around outside of work.”

While she acknowledges the value of helping people in emergency situations, in their time of need, she also mentions the rush.

“It’s the excitement, the adrenaline,” she says. “When you roll out of that firehouse, you never know exactly what you’ll find when you arrive at the scene [of the emergency call]. You never know what you’re going to get. You may wind up saving someone’s life, or you may be in a position where it’s not going to go so well.

“Not everything [about being a firefighter] is exciting, of course. But when it’s exciting, it’s exciting.”

MCC President Mary Ellen Brown says the Chamber’s members “are grateful for the role firefighters play in saving lives and protecting property. We take comfort in the wealth of firefighters, police officers and other public-safety workers living among us here in the Midway area. They help make this part of Chicago a better place for everyone. That’s why we established the Firefighter of the Year award. We recognize that and want to encourage that.”

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Tuesday, December 10, 2024

‘Her Passion Radiates From Her’

Gabriela Torres named MCC’s Teacher of the Year

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post

Ask any parent whose son or daughter is taught by Gabriela Torres at Hancock High School, and you’ll hear stories illustrating why she has been named the Midway Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Teacher of the Year.

“Ms. Torres is very passionate. Her passion radiates from her,” says Garfield Ridge resident Cindy Patino, whose daughter, Alondra, is a special needs student at Hancock. “(Torres) goes above and beyond for her students.”
Gabriela Torres, MCC Teacher of the Year 2024.


Patino nominated Torres for the award.

Before enrolling at Hancock, Alondra (who is autistic) “could be sluggish, a kid who didn’t really want to do much and who often kept to herself. But since starting at Hancock with Ms. Torres, she has changed for the better. Now she goes to school happy every day. She hardly ever misses a day of school. She’s making friends. She’s participating in sports (via Hancock’s connection with Special Olympics). It’s wonderful to see.”

In fact, “the whole school has been amazingly great for Alondra and for her education--not only Ms. Torres, but the other teachers, the classroom assistants, gym teacher, caseworker--everyone has been very supportive. They’ve fostered an inclusive environment for Alondra and the rest of the students.”

Midway-area roots

Torres grew up in West Elsdon, attending Pasteur School and Curie High School, where she graduated in 2011. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern Illinois University and a master’s degree from the University of Illinois.

From an early age, she knew she wanted to teach. In fact, she was chosen as a Golden Apple Scholar—a statewide program that provides tuition assistance to talented high school students, in an effort to steer them into careers in education.

Torres recalls that she was “very surprised” when she heard she had been nominated for the MCC Teacher of the Year award.
Gabriela Torres, MCC Teacher of the Year 2024.

 
“When I found out, it was right around report card pick-up. I learned that I was nominated by a parent of one of my students. That was very gratifying. The award means a lot, but even more when I think the nomination came from a parent.”

At Hancock, she teaches children with low-incidence disabilities, such as autism or Down syndrome. Her classes focus on teaching life skills like shopping, cooking and doing laundry. The goal is to move her students towards living as independently as possible as they approach their adult years.

Her classes are small by design. Just 13 boys and girls are in her program, ensuring quite a bit of individual attention.

Torres is assisted by four paraprofessionals, and she is quick to credit them with having a hand in her students’ success in school.

While Torres acknowledges that her work can be life-changing for her students, she says they change her life for the better, too.

“I learn from them. I’m inspired by their resilience,” she says. “They love going to school, and that helps make me love going to work every day.”

She says the MCC award “may help raise awareness about our [special needs] students, perhaps especially among businesses in this area. These kids have a lot to contribute—and often that can mean as employees—whether now or in a few years, when’re they’re adults.”

She adds that Hancock has a wealth of “phenomenal teachers. I think one of our teachers should be nominated every year for this award.”

When she accepts the Teacher of the Year award at the Midway Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner-dance this month, she will be accompanied by her husband, Omar, as well as her parents, Agata and Jose.

MCC President Mary Ellen Brown says the Chamber’s members “are pleased to know that such an inspiring, effective educator is right here in the community. Schools are an important part of the Midway area. Not only do they help educate and motivate children who will one day be our community’s workforce, but good schools help make the Midway area attractive to people looking to buy a home, as well as business owners looking for a good place to set up shop. That’s why we established the Teacher of the Year award. We recognize that and want to encourage that.”

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Sunday, December 1, 2024

Crime News Update

   Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in the western section of the district. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. May all of us also remember that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


* * *


Convicted felon charged with domestic battery

A 33-year-old Garfield Ridge man was charged with multiple counts of domestic battery after he was arrested at his home in the 6600 block of West 59th Street at 9:53 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4.
Ferrara


Samuel Ferrara allegedly pushed two women—ages 37 and 56—during a quarrel. A charge of criminal damage to property was added after he allegedly damaged a door at the home, a CPD spokesman said.

Ferrara made headlines in 2015 when he was convicted on multiple counts of burglary and robbery: https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/300k-bond-for-man-charged-with-southwest-side-armed-robberies/1998867/.

He was sentenced to 21 years in prison but was released on parole in January 2024. After his Nov. 4 arrest, he was sent back to prison. His next projected parole date is Dec. 31, 2026, according to the Illinois Department of Corrections.


Arrested again on a weapons rap
Linares

A 23-year-old Scottsdale man was charged with unlawful use of a weapon by a convicted felon after he was arrested in front of 6330 S. Major at 5:36 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30.

Rodolfo Linares, of the 8000 block of South Kolin, was found to be in possession of a handgun with a laser sight, a CPD spokesman said. A charge of aggravated battery of a police officer was added after Linares allegedly struggled with the person detaining him.

According to public records, Linares has been arrested six times by CPD since 2020, mostly on weapons-related charges.




Bust man on Cicero with gun, drug charges
Wade


A 41-year-old man from suburban River Forest was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon after he was arrested outside at 4400 S. Cicero at 6:57 a.m. Friday, Nov. 1.

Keith Kevin Wade reportedly was in possession of a rifle and a loaded handgun, a CPD spokesman said, adding that Wade has a FOID card but not a CCL. 

A charge of possession of a controlled substance was added after police found a clear plastic bag containing a small amount of suspect cocaine, the spokesman added. Finally, Wade was charged with driving a vehicle with no valid registration.



Allegedly damaged TV screen
Jura


A 25-year-old Garfield Ridge man was charged with criminal damage to property after he was arrested at his home in the 5300 block of South Merrimac at 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Anthony J. Jura allegedly used a shoe to damage a TV screen belonging to a 44-year-old woman, police responding to a “domestic disturbance” call said.

According to public records, Jura was arrested by CPD in July 2023 near 63rd and Loomis and charged with driving under the influence of drugs, as well as six counts of aggravated battery to a police officer.




Say man stole from JC Penney
Velasquez-Cedeno


A 23-year-old man was charged retail theft after he was arrested at Ford City at 4:42 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30.

Luis Javier Velasquez-Cedeno allegedly stole three t-shirts and a pair of sweatpants from a store in the mall. A CPD spokesman declined to name the store, but a source in the mall identified it as JC Penney.

A charge of battery was added after Velasquez-Cedeno allegedly struggled with a security guard, causing a cut on the 30-year-old guard’s hand.


Charge convicted felon with theft

A 41-year-old Aurora man was charged with theft after he was arrested at Kerry’s Auto Body, 5435 W. 63rd St., at 3:25 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1.
Jasso


Edgar Jasso allegedly stole a vehicle diagnostic scanning tool—worth about $1,000—back on Oct. 19, a CPD spokesman said without further comment.

According to public records, Jasso has been arrested three times since 2019 on such charges as driving on a revoked license and failure to report to authorities as a convicted gun offender.





Charged with shoving man

A 41-year-old Scottsdale woman was charged with domestic battery after she was arrested at her home in the 4100 block of West Crestline at 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1. 

Maria Perez was apprehended by officers responding to a request for a well-being check. Perez allegedly shoved a 54-year-old man during an argument.

Two counts of resisting arrest were added after he was taken into custody.



Traffic stop leads to gun charge
Reid-Toro


A 25-year-old Gurnee man was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon after he was arrested during a traffic stop in the alley behind 4922 S. Cicero at 5:56 a.m. Friday, Nov. 1.

Michael A. Reid-Toro was reportedly in possession of a loaded handgun, a CPD spokesman said while noting that Reid-Toro has a valid FOID card but not a CCL.

He also was cited for driving a vehicle with expired plates.





Say man would not leave MDW
Robinson


A 41-year-old man from Decatur, Ill. Was charged with criminal trespass to state land after he was arrested at Midway International Airport at 12:05 a.m. Friday, Nov. 1. 

Martieze Robinson was not a ticketed passenger and allegedly refused to leave the terminal when told to do so, police said.

He also was wanted on a warrant, although the spokesman declined to say what Robinson was wanted for or which jurisdiction issued the warrant.


Claim man trespassed in Garfield Ridge home
Silva


An 18-year-old Central Stickney man was charged with criminal trespass to a residence after he was arrested in an alley in the 5600 block of South Massasoit at 4:18 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 13.

Jacob Silva, of the 4800 block of South Lockwood, allegedly was discovered inside a home in the same block where he was arrested.

Police said Silva was found by the homeowner, a 60-year-old man, and that he initially refused to leave when ordered to do so. When he did, the homeowner called 911, and police made the arrest in an alley, a CPD spokesman said.




Say woman wouldn’t leave McD’s

A 52-year-old Garfield Ridge woman was charged with criminal trespass to land after she was arrested at the McDonald’s at 6720 W. Archer at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15. Lisa Covoto, of the 5200 block of South Central, allegedly refused to leave the restaurant when ordered to do so by a manager.


Charged with domestic battery
Pico



A 41-year-old man from suburban Bolingbrook was charged with domestic battery after he was arrested in the 5900 block of South Rutherford at 4:56 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26.


Brian I. Pico allegedly struck a 41-year-old woman during an argument, a CPD spokesman said without elaborating.






Allegedly grabbed, pushed woman
Canchola-Navarro



A 34-year-old Garfield Ridge man was charged with domestic battery after he was arrested in the 5800 block of South Sayre at 12:02 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 27.


Hector Daniel Canchola-Navarro allegedly grabbed a 32-year-old woman by the neck and threw her down during an argument, according to police.



Arrest man on warrant rap
Gutierrez


A 27-year-old Clearing man was arrested during a traffic stop near his home in the 6200 block of West 63rd Street at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27. 

Armando F. Gutierrez was wanted on a warrant, a CPD spokesman said, declining to disclose what Gutierrez was wanted for. He also was cited for running a stop sign and driving on a suspended license.

According to public records, Gutierrez was arrested at his home back in March and charged with domestic battery. In 2019-20, he was arrested twice: once charged with battery and once charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance.




Claim man, woman victimized boy
Gil Hernandez


A 42-year-old Chicago Lawn man was charged with sexual exploitation of a child, indecent solicitation and possession of cocaine after he was arrested at the Skylark Motel, 5435 S. Archer, at 6:58 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4.

Oscar Gil Hernandez, of the 3400 block of West 59th Place, was accused of offering drugs to a 12-year-old boy, a CPD spokesman said without elaborating.

Charged with the same crimes—but also with “attempted sex relations within families”—was 43-year-old Fatima Solorio, of the 3700 block of West 60th Street. Similarly, a CPD spokesman declined to elaborate.



Say woman carried heroin
Orlando



A 28-year-old woman from the Central Illinois town of Le Roy was charged with possession of a controlled substance after she was arrested at the Shell station at 4900 S. Cicero at 10:42 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7.

Gabrielle Orlando allegedly was found to be in possession of a small amount of heroin. She also was cited for driving without a license and parking in a handicapped parking spot at the gas station.



Vittum Park traffic stop leads to drug charges
Ahmed


A 39-year-old West Ridge man was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance after he was arrested during a traffic stop at 5000 S. La Crosse at 5:46 a.m. Friday, Oct. 18.

Yahiya Ahmed, of the 6400 block of North Claremont, reportedly was found carrying small quantities of heroin and crystal meth, police said. He also was cited for running a stop sign and driving with his vehicle’s brights on.

According to public records, Ahmed in 2015 (then known as Syed Faizuddin) was arrested at his home and charged with possession of large amounts of cocaine and heroin.


Charge man with burglary
Nash


A 43-year-old man from suburban Calumet Park was charged with burglary after he was arrested in the 4500 block of South Lavergne at 2:36 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23. 

Antoine L. Nash was identified as the man spotted on a home surveillance camera breaking into a home on the block where he was arrested, police said.

According to public records, Nash has been arrested four times by CPD since 2014 on charges that included driving on a suspended license, drinking alcohol on the public way, possession of a controlled substance and criminal trespass to a vehicle.



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