WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderRockford names new police and fire chaplain

Rockford names new police and fire chaplain

The City of Rockford's police and fire departments name a new fire chaplain to replace Father William Wentink.

Father Ken Stachyra will officially be appointed to the position during a ceremony Tuesday afternoon. Father Stachyra has been in the Diocese of Rockford since 2001. He is originally from Chicago.

Father Stachyra takes over for longtime Rockford Police and Fire Chaplain Father William Wentink, who served the city for 41 years.

Several other members of the departments will be promoted or sworn in Tuesday. Investigator's Benjamin Boeke, Darin Spades, Joel Givens and John Hoeksema are being promoted  to Sergeant and 11 new police officers will join the force.

Promotion/New Officer Details Below:

Investigator Benjamin Boeke joined the ranks of the Rockford Police Department on March 24, 1997. Throughout his career, Benjamin worked in the Field Services Bureau Patrol and the School Liaison Unit as a Patrol Officer. On October 22, 2007, Benjamin was promoted to Investigator and assigned to the Field Services Bureau Traffic Unit. Sergeant Benjamin Boeke is assigned to the Field Services Bureau under the overall command of Deputy Chief Lori Sweeney.

Investigator Darin Spades joined the ranks of the Rockford Police Department on April 10, 1995. On November 8, 2000, Darin was promoted to Investigator and assigned to the Field Services Bureau Traffic Unit. He was transferred to the Youth/Sex Crimes Unit, Narcotics Unit and General Case Unit in the Investigative Services Bureau on April 21, 2002. Sergeant Darin Spades is assigned to the Field Services Bureau under the overall command of Deputy Chief Lori Sweeney.

Investigator Joel Givens joined the ranks of the Rockford Police Department on March 27, 2000. Throughout his career, Joel worked in the Field Services Bureau Patrol and Tac Unit as a Patrol Officer. On May 4, 2008, Joel was promoted to Investigator and assigned to the Administrative Services Bureau Training Unit. Sergeant Joel Givens is assigned to the Field Services Bureau under the overall command of Deputy Chief Lori Sweeney.

Investigator John Hoeksema joined the ranks of the Rockford Police Department on January 31, 1994. Throughout his career, John worked in the Field Services Bureau Patrol and Tac Unit as a Patrol Officer and Administrative Services Bureau Accreditation. On May 29, 2011, John was promoted to Investigator and assigned to the Field Services Bureau Traffic Unit. Sergeant John Hoeksema is assigned to the Field Services Bureau under the overall command of Deputy Chief Lori Sweeney.

Officer Branden Burke graduated from Winnebago High School in 2007. He also graduated from Rock Valley College receiving an Associate of Arts Degree and from Western Illinois University receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree. Branden was previously employed at Didier Greenhouse prior to being hired by the Rockford Police Department.

Officer Nolan Walker graduated from Stillman Valley High School in 2003. He also graduated from Cochise College receiving an Associate of Applied Science and from Northern Illinois University receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Nolan served in the United States Army and United States Army Reserves receiving an Honorable Discharge prior to being hired by the Rockford Police Department.

Officer Dustin Forney graduated from DeKalb High School in 2006. He also graduated from Southern Illinois University receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Dustin was previously employed as a Security Guard at Northern Illinois University Department of Public Safety and a Warehouse Operator at 3M prior to being hired by the Rockford Police Department.

Officer Matthew Shelton graduated from Harlem High School in 2005. He also graduated from Indiana State University receiving a Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice. Matthew was previously employed as a Correction Officer by the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department prior to being hired by the Rockford Police Department.

Officer Dane Cookson graduated from Lanphier High School, Springfield, IL in 2007. He also graduated from the University of Illinois receiving a Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science Degree. Dane was previously employed as a Customer Service Representative at Horace Mann prior to being hired by the Rockford Police Department.

Officer Jared Clark graduated from Morton High School in 2003. He also graduated from Illinois State University receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree. Jared interned with the Rockford Police Department in 2009. Jared was previously employed as a Safety and Security Officer at Illinois Central College, an Auxiliary Police Officer at Morton Police Department and Lot Assistant at Chris Clark Lot prior to being hired by the Rockford Police Department.

Officer Johnathan Rickard graduated from Byron Community High School in 2004. He also graduated from Wentworth Military Academy and Junior College receiving an Associate in Arts and from Western Illinois University receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree. Johnathan is currently serving as a Commander in the United States Army Reserve.

Officer Nicole Arnold graduated from Hononegah Community High School in 2006. She also graduated from Rock Valley College receiving an Associate of Arts and Western Illinois University receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree. Nicole was previously employed as a Service Clerk at Walgreens prior to being hired by the Rockford Police Department.

Officer Anthony Cortez graduated from York Community High School in 1998. Anthony was previously employed as a Lead Agent and Executive Security Officer in the IL Protection and Investigation prior to being hired by the Rockford Police Department.

Officer Nathan Milne graduated from Christian Life High School in 2003. Nathan is currently serving in the Illinois Army National Guard and is attending Rock Valley College. Nathan was previously employed as an Operator at Ring Container prior to being hired by the Rockford Police Department.

Officer Erdal Kaya graduated from Anatoliah Hotel and Tourism Management High School, Yenisehir, Diyarbokir, Turkey in 2002. Erdal was previously employed as an Underwriter/Support Analyst at Opus Capital Market Consultants prior to being hired by the Rockford Police Department.