2 Joliet Detectives Named Exchange Club Officers Of Year: Here's Why

(The following remarks are from Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans' recent presentation before the Joliet Exchange Club, announcing that a pair of detectives, Raymond Jansma and Jonathon Rutkoski, were the department's 2024 Exchange Club Officers of the Year.)

JOLIET — I am Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans. Thank you for taking some time out of your busy schedules to join me in honoring two of our best. It is my distinct honor to stand before all of you today to recognize and celebrate the outstanding work of two of our finest detectives—Detective Raymond Jansma #167 and Detective Jonathan Rutkoski #214.

These two dedicated professionals exemplify the very best of the Joliet Police Department and what it means to serve and protect the citizens of Joliet. Their tireless efforts, relentless pursuit of justice, and unwavering commitment to our community have made a profound impact on public safety in Joliet.

Detective Jansma has been assigned to the Investigations Division for the past five years, showing an unmatched level of dedication in handling a wide range of serious cases. He is also an Arson Investigator, a certified BERLA Examiner (Vehicle Forensics Extractions), serves on the Joliet Police Crisis Negotiator Team, and is a member of the Will Grundy Major Crimes Task Force.

Detective Rutkoski has been assigned to the investigations Division for almost three years. Detective Rutkoski is Cell Phone Forensic Examiner, and a member of the Will Grundy Major Crimes Task force. He is also a member of the Joliet Police Honor Guard.

In 2024 alone, Detectives Jansma and Rutkoski were assigned over 160 cases, demonstrating an incredible work ethic and an unshakable dedication to their mission. Their skill, persistence, and investigative acumen have resulted in 45 arrest warrants and the apprehension of six violent criminals. These apprehensions were not just routine arrests—they included individuals responsible for some of the most heinous crimes in our city, including homicides, aggravated battery, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and arson.

Among their many accomplishments, Detectives Jansma and Rutkoski were integral to several high-profile homicide investigations. Detective Jansma led the investigation into the June 2024 Krakar homicide, with Detective Rutkoski serving as the second chair. This case began with nothing more than video footage showing silhouettes of the suspects, and yet through their extraordinary efforts—executing search warrants, tracking ankle monitor coordinates, and meticulously piecing together evidence—they identified and arrested the perpetrators.

Their dedication was equally evident in the White Birch Homicide and the West Acres Homicide occurring in May 2024 and January 2024, respectfully. From preserving key digital evidence to securing crucial search warrants, these detectives left no stone unturned. Their tenacity led to identifying critical leads, uncovering damning evidence, and ultimately bringing those responsible to justice. Detective Rutkoski, in particular, played a pivotal role in the West Acres case, obtaining a video system search warrant that contained direct evidence of the suspect committing multiple murders. His detailed searches even led to the discovery of a loaded pistol magazine and crucial dashcam footage of suspect vehicles.

Meanwhile, Detective Jansma’s expertise in forensic vehicle analysis provided key insights into suspect movements and activities. Beyond their homicide investigations, these detectives have repeatedly demonstrated their exceptional ability to connect seemingly unrelated cases, uncover patterns, and hold criminals accountable.

Their teamwork is another defining strength. In a retail theft case from Kohl’s, they worked together to link a single suspect to multiple thefts across northern Illinois, coordinating with agencies across the region to take down a group responsible for nearly $500,000 in stolen merchandise. Their ability to network, share intelligence, and recognize patterns across cases has not only solved crimes but has helped prevent future ones.

Additionally, their contributions extend beyond investigations. Detective Jansma has played a crucial role in major cases outside Joliet, including assisting the Crest Hill PD in a homicide involving a key witness in a Chicago PD murder trial. His forensic vehicle analysis and coordination with other agencies have been instrumental in identifying suspects. Moreover, his testimony in court has led to convictions in multiple homicide cases, ensuring justice for the victims and their families.

Detective Rutkoski has likewise taken on some of the most emotionally challenging cases, including the tragic murder of a two-year-old child by his sibling and a tragic murder-suicide investigation. His ability to extract key witness statements and preserve critical evidence has been invaluable in these incredibly difficult situations.

What sets Detectives Jansma and Rutkoski apart is not just their investigative skills, but their unwavering commitment to justice. They refuse to accept dead ends, they persist where others might give up, and they treat every case—whether a homicide or a retail theft—with the same level of determination and professionalism. Their work has not only led to successful arrests and convictions but has made Joliet a safer place for all of us.

Detectives Jansma and Rutkoski, your dedication, intelligence, and perseverance inspire all of us in law enforcement. You exemplify the very best of the Joliet Police Department, and we are incredibly proud to have you on our team.

On behalf of the entire department and the community we serve, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your service. Your work is not just seen—it is deeply appreciated. Congratulations on your well-earned recognition today. You are true guardians of justice, and we thank you for all that you do.