West City Police Sgt. Sarah Parke Named ILACP Officer of the Year

April 10, 2023 

The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP) is proud to announce West City Police Sergeant Sarah Parke as the 2023 Officer of the Year. Our Awards Committee and the Board of Officers determined that Sgt. Parke’s dedication, life-saving efforts, and incredible giving spirit made her a standout amongst the other nominees.

“In our community’s eyes, she is a rock star,” wrote West City Police Chief Jon Graskewicz, who nominated Sgt. Parke for the Officer of the Year Award.

Chief Graskewicz wrote in his nomination form that Sgt. Parke has received numerous accolades from the public for her professionalism and investigative knowledge over her past 10 years with the West City Police Department. Most notable are the several times her quick actions helped save lives.

In 2019, Sgt. Parke received the life-saving award for saving the life of a man who had collapsed while on a treadmill at a local fitness center. If not for her intervention with CPR until paramedics arrived, he may not have lived.

On Dec. 10, 2021, the department received a call to a residence for an unresponsive male. Upon arrival, Sgt. Parke was unable to locate any signs of life and began CPR until a delayed medical response could arrive, saving the man’s life.

On July 26, 2022, West City Police Dispatch received a 9-1-1 call from a man only stating, "It's so hot". Sgt. Parke arrived on the scene to find a home on fire after the man had fallen asleep while smoking a cigarette with an oxygen mask on. Sgt. Parke was able to drag the man from the burning home and remove his burned clothing. The man suffered numerous third-degree burns and lived in assisted living for three months before passing away.

Sgt. Parke once again saved a life on Nov. 3, 2022, when a man collapsed outside a restaurant. When Sgt. Parke arrived, the man was not breathing. Sgt Parke quickly initiated CPR until medical staff arrived. Thankfully, she was able to obtain a pulse, saving the man’s life.

It is not just Sgt. Parke’s life-saving abilities that put her ahead of the other nominees, but it is her dedication to the profession and her charitable actions within her community. On her own time, Sgt. Parke initiated “The Backpack Project”, which helps homeless people that police officers encounter by providing them with warm clothing, toiletries, and essentials for survival. Sgt. Parke also oversees the department’s "Shop with A Cop" program each year, she fundraises, organizes the shopping, decorates, and throws a major Christmas party for the children in need and their families.

For these reasons and more, the ILACP recognizes West City Police Sgt. Sarah Parke as our 2023 Most Outstanding Officer of the Year. She will receive special commendation and an award at the ILACP Annual Awards Banquet on April 21, 2023.

This year's award is sponsored by CABT.