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Stronghurst Police Department Begins Regular Patrols

The Stronghurst Village Board and the Stronghurst Police Department are proud to announce that on October 17, the newly formed police department conducted it's first patrol within Stronghurst.

After Chief Gary Smith accepted the position with the department on September 1, the village only had it's adopted ordinance forming the department and a used Crown Victoria purchased from the Henderson County Sheriff's Department for $1.

Since then, Chief Smith and the Police Committee have worked many hours hiring the department's additional officers, purchasing equipment and completing the necessary documentation as required by the State of Illinois. Meanwhile, Chief Smith completed the department's Policies and Procedures Manual and held meetings with the village's attorney Mike Neff, Sheriff Mark Lumbeck, Circuit Clerk Sandra Keane and the Henderson County State's Attorney, Ray Cavanaugh.

Patrol schedules will be at varied times and days during the week and the department would like to remind everyone that even though they are not a 24/7 full-time police department, the Chief and officers of the department are still just as committed in providing a professional-community orientated police department.

All emergencies should still be reported the same way by dialing 911. If an officer is on duty, then the police response will be from the Stronghurst Police Department. If there is not an officer on duty, then the Henderson County Sheriff's Department will respond as in the past.

The police department is located in the Stronghurst Village Hall at 309 East Main in Stronghurst.

Non-emergency calls can be made to the office at 924-1525 or the department's squad car cell phone at 309-221-5845. There is voicemail on each phone number and feel free to leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible or if you would like to schedule an appointment with an officer at your home or the department's office.

Also during village hall business hours, Complaint/Statement forms may be picked up at the office and filled out at your convenience. Once completed, contact the department and we will pick up the form and address your complaint or concern at that time or you can return the form back the village hall office.

Chief Smith and his officers are looking forward to serving and meeting the needs of the community while continuing to develop the department and providing a source of pride for the citizens of Stronghurst as well as a recognized and respected police department within Henderson County and the surrounding area.