Orland Village Board, Police Leadership Lock In Contract After 2 Years Without One

ORLAND PARK, IL — The Orland Park Village Board and Mayor Jim Dodge on Monday locked in a contract for police sergeants and lieutenants within the village's police department.

The collective bargaining agreement with the Orland Park Police Supervisors Association was approved at the July 7 board meeting, the Village said in a release. The newly approved agreement ends a two-year stretch without a contract, officials said.

"It is regrettable that the sergeants and lieutenants of the Orland Park Police have endured more than two years without a contract," said Mayor Jim Dodge. "This new agreement is poised to enhance public safety and uplift morale within the department. Morale is crucial in any profession, especially for those whose jobs involve risking their lives.

"This marks a crucial step in acknowledging and appreciating those who protect and serve our community."

The agreement can be viewed below.

A representative for the OPPSA thanked trustees and the Village for their work on the contract.

"The members of OPPSA have committed their careers to improving the Village of Orland Park," said a representative for the OPPSA. "For years, it felt as though our commitment and investment in the community were overlooked by our elected officials, particularly as career advancement opportunities were diminished without warning or explanation.

"We are grateful for the new Village leadership under Mayor Dodge, who has demonstrated a clear intention to mend the relationship between our Union and the Village. We extend our thanks to him and the village board for their decisive actions to restore our career progression through this contract and for collaborating with both police department unions to drive the department forward. We also want to express our appreciation to the residents of Orland Park for their unwavering support for our department; we are genuinely fortunate to serve this community."

Police Chief Eric Rossi spoke to the significance of the newly ratified contract.

“This agreement reflects the hard truth that the men and women of the Orland Park Police Department shoulder the responsibility of protecting and serving our community, and it ensures they are compensated fairly for their vital work," Rossi said. "This contract not only acknowledges our officers' dedication but also enhances our capacity to retain the committed professionals who are already part of this community, serving its residents and upholding the values of our profession.”

Chief Rossi further encouraged future candidates, emphasizing a career in law enforcement.

“If you are considering a profession in law enforcement, are motivated by a spirit of public service, and aspire to make a meaningful impact, I urge you to explore opportunities with the Village of Orland Park’s nationally acclaimed, award-winning Police Department."