Also at Monday's night's Village Board Meeting, the Village recognized two outstanding members of the Gurnee Police Department, Officer of the Year Tom Yencich and Civilian of the Year Howard Thomas. 

Officer Yencich, a 12-year department veteran, serves as a canine handler, multidisciplinary instructor for department personnel, and leader among his peers. This year, he played key roles in life-saving incidents, led critical training for our officers, and ranked #1 on the Sergeant eligibility list. His dedication to safety, service, and mentorship truly sets him apart. With over 30 years in public safety communications, Howard Thomas is the calm voice behind the scenes. From delivering a baby over the phone to managing critical incidents like structure fires, he brings unmatched professionalism, knowledge, and heart to every shift. The Village is proud to call him one of our own. Join us in congratulating Officer Yencich and Communications Operator Thomas for their outstanding service and commitment to Gurnee!