Cmdr. Joseph Pinnello and police officer Andrew Gatz were honored as co-recipients of the L.W. “Bill” Calderwood Officer of the Year Award for 2018 — the first time there’s been a tie for L.W. “Bill” Calderwood Officer of the Year Award in the 30-year history of the award recognition in Arlington Heights. The command staff of the Arlington Heights Police Department votes to select winner(s) each year.
Cmdr. Joseph Pinnello was recognized for initiative in the Community Addiction and Recovery Effort for the Village of Arlington Heights, which launched July 2018 to connect residents, who abuse opioids, with assistance from local resources.
Under the Community Addiction and Recovery Effort program, individuals who come into contact with police or firefighter/paramedics can get a ride to the Linden Oaks Behavioral Health Unit at Northwest Community Hospital to meet with a licensed clinical counselor. Patients can be referred for treatment at the hospital or at a partner agency.
Pinnello, a 19-year department veteran, built the program in 18 months after he was assigned the task by Police Chief Gerald Mourning and Village Manager Randy Recklaus. Mourning says Pinnello spent countless hours researching models put in place by other communities, identifying partner agencies, setting up meetings, and leading the overall effort. Pinnello was promoted to Police Commander in August 2017.
Awards Presentation Thursday, Rotary Club luncheon
“Traditional approaches to combating the opioid epidemic such as continually arresting individuals who have shown signs of opioid addiction have proven to be ineffective in the long run. I am confident the CARE program — largely due to Joe Pinnello’s efforts — will contribute greatly to the overall betterment of the community.”
— Police Chief Gerald Mourning
Police Officer Andrew Gatz was recognized by the Arlington Heights Police Department for “going above and beyond” the normal expectations of a patrol officer.
Gatz was hired in 2015, and has devoted his personal time to training probationary officers. The police chief told Rotary members attending the luncheon that Andrew Gatz is known for his high level of professionalism.
Awards Presentation Thursday, Rotary Club luncheon
“The officer [Gatz] has been able to de-escalate tense domestic situations quickly without condescension or taking sides, the chief added. Andrew has all the traits of a great leader.”
— Police Chief Gerald Mourning
Gatz’s great-grandfather was killed in the line of duty in 1922 — two months into his career as a patrol officer for the Chicago Police Department.
Gatz engages the public with calm professionalism.
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Commander Joseph Pinnello …
Officer Andrew Gatz …