2 longtime Lake Zurich police officers exit, department welcomes new hire

Lake Zurich officials bid adieu to two longtime village police officers and welcomed a new face into the ranks during a brief Village Board meeting Feb. 20.

The meeting was held on a Tuesday night instead of its usual Monday schedule due to observance of President’s Day.

Officers Denis Bradstreet and Ralph Mitch both received proclamations recognizing their service in the village. Additionally, police Chief Steve Husak praised both retirees for 24 and 23 years of work, respectively.

“She was a really great field training officer,” Husak said of Bradstreet.

In her more than two decades of police work, she did more than work as a training officer, which is where she ended her career in Lake Zurich. She began as a patrol officer, then a D.A.R.E. officer, a detective and an officer in charge – all while also helping out on a variety of projects,  including Toys for Tots and with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, officials explained.

While her work in Lake Zurich ended Jan. 8, she isn’t leaving public service all together.

“You may have noticed from her uniform she’s left us and gone to the village of Kildeer, so we wish her the best of luck there,” said Husak.

The chief offered similar praise about Mitch, whom officials said was a longtime overnight officer who handled late night and early morning calls while most of the village slept.

Husak said he excelled in the role.

“We always appreciated having Officer Ralph Mitch on the overnight shift for much of the time I’ve been here,” Husak said.

Mitch said he will miss working in Lake Zurich.

“It was my pleasure to serve this village the time I was here,” Mitch said, adding that he appreciates the proclamation.

As two officers exited, the police department welcomed its newest officer, Christopher Reese, who was sworn in at the meeting.

“Chris is currently in the last phase of his field training and we’re happy to have him here,” Husak said.

Jesse Wright is a freelancer.