Kankakee, IL – Today, Commander Jay Etzel started his career with the Kankakee Police Department 30 years ago, a bittersweet moment ahead of his last day on Friday as he prepares for retirement.

“I have enjoyed the last 30 years and gained many friends who I have worked with that will last a lifetime. It means a lot to me. I loved working with the citizens in the community and I hope I have served them well. I look forward to spending more time with my family including my daughter and grandson,” said Commander Jay Etzel.

Commander Etzel started on February 3, 1991 as a patrol officer before becoming a detective a few years later. He worked as a detective for 14 years and was promoted to Sergeant. In 2009, Etzel was promoted to Lieutenant. In 2015, Etzel continued to move up the ranks and was promoted to Investigations Commander where he currently oversees the detective unit.

“Jay Etzel is a very hardworking and dedicated police officer. I nominated Etzel for Officer of the Year after an intense investigation on a sexual assault case involving a minor in the early 90’s. He kept that file on his desk for 10 years and worked on the case which truly showed his dedication. Etzel did an excellent job and has done a lot of good things in the community,” said Alderman Larry Osenga.

“Commander Etzel sat down with me and a concerned citizen at my dining room table and gave her the opportunity to ask him any questions she had. That meant a lot to me and she was very thankful for the conversation. It is community policing at its very best. I also took the Citizens Police Academy where Commander Etzel taught the classes and he did a phenomenal job,” said Alderwoman Stacy Gall.

A proclamation was read by Mayor Wells-Armstrong in honor of Etzel’s retirement during Monday night’s city council meeting.

“I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Commander Etzel for his dedication and commitment to the police department and our community. We are thankful for officers who give their very best to the community they serve. We wish Commander Etzel well in his retirement and future endeavors,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.

“Commander Etzel successfully led the detective unit in solving many cases and we will always be grateful for his long term commitment to service in the City of Kankakee. I would like to congratulate him on his retirement,” said Police Chief Frank Kosman.

Etzel has been recognized for his achievements including the Kankakee County Outstanding Officer of the Year award, and the Illinois Attorney General Officer of the Year award.

# # #

The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building, and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant, and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow, and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive, and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.

 

Download the Press Release - Commander Jay Etzel Celebrates 30th Anniversary with the Kankakee Police Department Ahead of Retirement This Week