Neighbor News
Woodridge Police Department Places 3rd in IL Traffic Safety Challenge
Congratulations to Officer Phelps and the Woodridge Police Department Traffic Unit
WOODRIDGE, Ill. (August 22, 2023) – The Woodridge Police Department placed 3rd in the 2023 Illinois Traffic Safety Challenge (ITSC) thanks to the hard work of Officer John Phelps and the Woodridge Police Department Traffic Unit. The ITSC is a program coordinated by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and maintained by a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration grant that is supported by the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering, and funding from private entities. The Challenge is a friendly competition between law enforcement agencies of similar size and type. The program helps agencies demonstrate successes to their government officials, community leaders, and citizens.
In order to be considered for the competition, law enforcement entities must submit their traffic safety report detailing efforts such as community engagement and educational campaigns, enforcement activity, trainings, effectiveness, and more.
This is the 5th year that Officer Phelps and the Woodridge Police Department have been presented with an ITSC award in the Municipal 36-50 size category. They’ve also accepted awards in 2018 (2nd place), 2019 (3rd place), 2020 (2nd place), and 2021 (2nd place).
Find out what's happening in Woodridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“It’s an honor to have received this award and to be recognized for our traffic safety initiatives and efforts,” said Officer Phelps, Woodridge Traffic Officer.
“Currently, Officer Phelps is the only police officer in the Traffic Unit at Woodridge,” said Woodridge Chief of Police Brian Cunningham. “I believe this makes the award even more outstanding and demonstrates his leadership, dedication, and passion for keeping our community safe.”
Find out what's happening in Woodridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Officer Phelps has been with the Woodridge Police Department for 10 years, where he has led the Traffic Unit, including various community programs such as car seat installations, teaching driver’s education at the local high school, and developing educational programs to teach the Woodridge community about the importance of traffic safety. Officer Phelps has also served on the Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigative Team (MERIT) with Woodridge Police Officer William Bodnar for the past 6 years, where they assist the Major Crash and Reconstruction Team.
To learn more about the ITSC, click here.
