City of Lake Forest, IL

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to visit us at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital for the fall National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day!

The goal of these events is to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible method for disposing of unused opioids and other prescription medications. Additionally, we'll be spreading awareness about the potential dangers of medication misuse.

Couldn't make the event? No worries! You can still drop off your unused medications at any time in the drug disposal box located in the vestibule of the Lake Forest Police Department, 255 W. Deerpath. It's accessible 24/7/365.
 Visit the DEA website for more information.

breast cancer awareness monthJoin us for our final 2023 fundraising event for Posey Krehbiel Breast Center on Saturday, October 21st from 8-11 am! We're excited to announce that we'll be setting up shop right outside our cherished community partner, Gerhard's Elegant European Desserts (720 N. Western Ave). This event is all about coming together and making a difference.

We're proud to support the Posey Krehbiel Breast Center at Lake Forest Northwestern Hospital. Breast health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and your contribution can make a real impact.

We have something special for you! For a minimum donation of just $20, you can take home our commemorative patch that will remind you of your generous contribution to the Posey Krehbiel Breast Center. These patches are in limited supply, so act fast before they are gone forever.

We'd love to see you there. Come by, say hello, and chat with us about the cause, our community, and everything in between. Your presence matters! Be sure to step inside Gerhard's and indulge in the amazing smells and tastes they are famous for. You won't want to miss it!

Let's stand together as a community to support a cause that affects so many lives. We hope to see you there on October 21st, outside Gerhard's Elegant European Desserts. Your generosity can make a significant impact. Together, we can make a positive change. We look forward to your support!

aUGUST 2023
lAKE fOREST DAYS

Hey there! We're super excited for the upcoming Lake Forest Day events, and your family's safety is our top priority! So, we've put together some friendly tips to help you have a fantastic time while ensuring everyone stays safe and sound:

• Snap Some Pics: Before you head out, use your phone to snap some photos of your kids. It’s important to have a recent and detailed description, including the clothes they are wearing, just in case you get separated – we know how energetic little ones can be!
  
  
• Buddy Up: Going with a group? Awesome! Make it even more fun and safe by using a buddy system. That way, no one will feel left out, and everyone will stick together like a team.
  
  
• Know who your kids are with. Exchange phone numbers with your kiddo's pals and their parents.
  
  
• Parade Caution: When watching the parade, be sure to follow the advice of our friendly police officers. Only cross the streets when and where they tell you – safety first!
  
  
• Carnival Time: Let the fun and excitement flow at the carnival rides! Remind your little adventurers to follow the ride rules and listen to the ride operators.
  
  
• Smart911: Ever heard of the Smart 911 App? It's super cool! Download it, create a family profile with the cute photos you just took, and it'll help with 911 team if you ever need their assistance. For more information about Smart 911 visit our Smart911 page.

Here are a few extra tips to make your day even better:

• Meet-Up Spot: Choose a fun meeting spot, just in case someone wanders off – you know how the excitement can take over!

• Stay Cool: Stay hydrated and protect yourselves from the sun with sunscreen, hats, and shades. We want your family to glow with happiness, not sunburn!

• Dress for Fun: Dress comfortably, and don't forget the perfect shoes for all the adventures that lie ahead.

• Stranger Safety: We know your kids are smart cookies, but it's always good to remind them about stranger safety and sticking with the family.

• ID Bracelets: For our little ones who might forget their names, temporary ID bracelets are a nifty idea.

• Medical Needs: If someone has allergies or needs special care, be prepared with their essentials and inform the caring folks at the event.

• Be Respectful: Teach your kids to respect the rules and everyone around them – it'll make the day more enjoyable for everyone!

• Keep an Eye on Stuff: We know you're all excited, but let's keep an eye on bags and valuables to keep the good vibes going.

• Ride Smart: Follow the height and age rules for carnival rides – safety always comes first.

• Emergency Plan: Take a moment to spot emergency exits – it's good to know, just in case.

• Patience Wins: We're all here for fun, so let's be patient with each other and make this day awesome for everyone!

• Emergency Contacts: Save the local authorities' numbers on your phone – just in case you ever need a hero!

With these tips in mind, you'll create cherished memories while keeping your family safe and sound at Lake Forest Day. Have a blast, and see you there!

july 2023

catholic charities golf classic

Congratulations to Three Matts and a Sam, our incredible team from the police department for their outstanding victory at the annual Catholic Charities golf outing!

A huge shoutout to Matt Allen, Matt Signa, Matt Jakob, and Sam Sineni for representing our department with skill and determination. This event, sponsored by our Chairman of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, is a wonderful opportunity for the FD and PD to come together in friendly competition.

We’re bursting with pride as we share the fantastic news that our team managed to secure a historic win, beating the FD for the first time ever!  Despite the FD's careful selection of their top golfers, our talented group rose to the occasion and emerged victorious!

This achievement showcases not only their golfing prowess but also their strong team spirit and camaraderie. Way to go, team! Your hard work and dedication paid off, and you've made the entire department proud. Keep shining both on and off the course!

June 2023

We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of another memorable Lake Forest Police Department Senior Picnic! Since its inception in 1976, this event has become a highlight of our community policing initiatives, fostering connections with seniors and the dedicated team at Dickinson Hall Senior Center in Lake Forest/Lake Bluff.

Thanks to the generous support of the Lake Forest Police Foundation, attendees enjoyed delicious boxed lunches, engaging rounds of bingo with exciting prizes, and memorable keepsakes. The festivities kicked off with Deputy Chief Copeland leading the bingo rounds, and Detective Dave Miniscalco took over to keep the fun going. Our esteemed Social Worker, Lauren Perez, added excitement as the prize distributor.

Furthermore, Detectives Esmon and Miniscalco enlightened attendees with invaluable insights on scams, empowering everyone with knowledge on how to avoid falling victim. It was a true testament to the enduring friendship between law enforcement and the community.

may 2023

cop on a rooftop 

Each year we get together with our friends at Dunkin' - Lake Forest to show some love for our Special Olympians! On May 19th members of LFPD gathered to fundraise for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois. Guests that donated received coupons for free coffee and donuts. We also had some cool Guardians of the Flame items for sale. Despite a rainy start, we managed to raise over $4,000. Collectively, law enforcement agencies across 315 locations raised more than $925,000  for the 21,000 athletes of Special Olympics Illinois!

April 2023

april is Autism Acceptance month

LFPD presents check to Sedol Foundation! 

Officers from the Lake Forest Police Department had the honor of delivering a special check to SEDOL as part of our 2023 Autism Acceptance Patch fundraising campaign.

Thanks to your immense generosity and support, our community rallied together and raised over $4,500! These funds will go a long way in assisting SEDOL's fantastic programs, which provide crucial support to individuals with autism. 

We cannot express enough gratitude to everyone who contributed through donations, spreading the word, or simply showing up at our events. Your compassion and commitment have made a significant impact on the lives of those with autism and their families.  A special shout-out goes to our community partners Gerhard's Elegant European Desserts, The Peanut Gallery, and both of our Starbucks locations who stood alongside us throughout this campaign. Your unwavering support and collaboration were instrumental in its success. Together, we have made a difference! 

All proceeds go directly to the Autism program of the SEDOL Foundation. We chose the SEDOL Foundation because it is a local Lake County organization that directly impacts and helps those with Autism. The Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL) provides physically, mentally, and emotionally challenged people aged 3 to 22 with educational opportunities appropriate to individual needs. Also, if you did not know, Lake Forest High School's West Campus hosts a SEDOL education program. Learn more about SEDOL Foundation.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

No-Shave November/Double-Down December

Toys for Tots

This year we collected 10+ boxes of toys and books for Great Lakes IL Toys for Tots! Thanks to everyone who dropped off toys in the collection box or donated online. A special thanks to the Lake Forest Police Foundation for upping their game once again, donating funds to buy hundreds of toys for the children and families in Lake County.

For over 20 years, Lake Forest Police has partnered with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program as a collection point for new, unwrapped toys and books. The toys we collect are received at the Great Lakes U.S. Marine Reserve Unit and distributed to families in Lake County. This year Toys For Tots celebrated its 75th Anniversary of bringing joy to children in need. Toys for Tots stands ready to assist families and children in need who have been affected by natural disasters or life-changing events. It recently expanded its mission to provide support to children in need year-round, not just during Christmastime. Just scan the QR code to make a cash donation.

OCTOBER 2022

Breast Cancer Police Patch Campaign

Police just wrapped up our Breast Cancer Awareness month campaign, raising awareness and funds with our commemorative Breast Cancer Police Patches. Officers were on hand for several planned and pop-up events to accept donations for the Posy Krehbiel Cancer Center at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital. The campaign raised over $5000! We’re thankful to everyone who contributed and to our community partners at Starbucks (both locations), Gerhard’s Elegant European Desserts, and the LF/LB Chamber’s Then and Now Car Show for allowing us to set up shop.

Coffee with a Cop

In 2016, we partnered with Coffee with a Cop and our local Starbucks to provide residents the opportunity for real conversations about issues that matter.

Thanks to everyone who added a few minutes to their coffee run to join us for a chat. We enjoyed meeting you.  We're grateful to our community partners at Starbucks Reserve, 672 N. Western Avenue and Starbucks, 840 S. Waukegan Road, for allowing us a safe space for dialogue with our stakeholders.

June 2022

Despite the rain, we had a great turnout for the Bike Rodeo!

We thank our sponsors, community partners, and vendors. We couldn’t do it without them.

The Lake Forest Police Foundation, AllStaff, Clucker’s, Chief’s Pub, Chipotle, CROYA, Dance Is My Everything, Donati’s, Fresh Market, Fill A Heart for Kids, Forest Orthodontics, Gerhart’s Desserts, Jewel-Osco, Jump Guy Inflatables, Lake County Sheriff’s, Lake Forest Fire Department, Lake Forest Parks and Rec, Lions Club International, Poke Bros. Rosati’s, SportClips, Starbucks, State Farm-Jeff Smith, Sunset Foods, Superior Pilates, Susy’s Swirl, Sweet’s, Wildlife Discovery Center, and Wonder Wheels.

December 2021

TOYS FOR TOTS

Thanks to the generosity of our community, we collected thousands of toys, games, and books this year!

For more than twenty years the Lake Forest Police Department has partnered with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots Program as a collection point for new, unwrapped toys. The toys we collect are received at the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Unit-Great Lakes, and distributed to families in Lake County. Each year the community opens its collective heart and generously donates to support the primary goal of Toys for Tots: to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. More important are the objectives of Toys for Tots: to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign, and to contribute to better communities in the future.

November 2021

No-Shave November

Check out these officers! Officer Christensen and Officer DaiZovi (joined by some of their Lake Forest College Alums) are well on their way toward No-Shave excellence!

For the third year, members of the Lake Forest Police are participating in the No-Shave November Campaign.  The annual fundraising effort raises funds for many charities. Once again, we have chosen the 100 Club of Illinois.

The 100 Club of Illinois (formerly the 100 Club of Chicago) provides for the families of first responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty. This organization offers several forms of financial assistance, access to resources, and moral support. All sworn federal, state, county, and local first responders stationed in Illinois are included.

Would you please help us support this vital resource by donating at
 https://www.100clubil.org/donate-now/? When donating online, please select “Other” then “Tribute Gift” and type in “Lake Forest Police No-Shave November” in the “Leave a comment” box. Thank you.

November 2019

Lake Forest Police will be participating in the No-Shave November campaign for the first time this year.

This is an annual fundraising effort to raise money for different charities.  The charity chosen this year is the 100 Club of Chicago.

The 100 Club of Chicago provides for the families of first responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty. This membership-based organization offers several forms of financial assistance, access to resources and moral support.  All sworn federal, state, county and local first responders stationed in Cook, Lake and McHenry Counties are included.


July 2019June 22, 2019 Rescheduled to July 20, 2019 - Annual Lake Forest Police Department Bike Rodeo

This event gets better every year thanks to our dedicated staff, community partners, and volunteers. You and your kids will learn about bike safety and the kids will have a chance to show off their skills on the many challenge courses that will be set up.

Fun for the whole family: music, food, face painting, and games, bounce houses, and PRIZES! Best of all, this event is FREE!

Join us on Saturday, July 20th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Deerpath and Oakwood parking lot (just west of City Hall). Rain date: July 13th.

Bring your bicycles and don't forget your helmets. If you don't have a helmet or need a new one, we will be giving them away for FREE to the first 200 participants!

September 15, 2018 - Cuffs vs. Hoses Benefit Softball GameThis event will benefit the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance’s “I Am Me” Burn Camp, a special one-week camp experience for children and teenagers who have experienced injuries from burns.  To learn more about the camp visit https://www.ifsa.org/programs/camp. For more information about our event contact Officer Paul Daizovi daizovip@cityoflakeforest.com.

June 2, 2018 - Annual Lake Forest Police Department Bike RodeoThe Police Department is happy to report another successful Bike Rodeo, sponsored by the Lake Forest Police Foundation. Over 170 participants and their families attended the June 2nd event. Raffle prizes included five children's bikes and two Kiddles gift cards. 

Many thanks to the of Lake Forest Fire Department, Streets Department, Parks, Forestry & Recreation, CROYA, Building Maintenance, Community Development, City Hall, and the countless other volunteers for their help in making this event such a success! 

The following business and organizations were materially involved and/or donated to this event: Allstaff, BMX Champion - Marshall Gehrke, Bob's Pedal Pusher, Comfort Dog - Asher, Ernies's Towing, Fresh Market, Gurnee Police Department - Police Explorers, Havey's, Heinen's, Hop 'Til You Drop, Kiddles, Knollwood Fire Department, Lincolnshire Police Department - Police Explorers, Lions Club, Meathead's, M.E.S.S., Northshore Health Systems - Dr. Gulson, Operation LifeSaver, QBF Graphics Group, Rotary Club, Sunset Foods, Suzy's Swirl, Target, and Wildlife Discovery Center.

Thanks again and we look forward to seeing you next year. 

May 18, 2018 - Cop On A RooftopWe "upped our game" for this year's Cop On A Rooftop event with the help of a hydraulic lift.

A sincere thank you to all those who generously supported our Cop On A Rooftop event this year for Special Olympics Illinois- Region B We raised a total of $1927.51 this year, more than double last year’s donations! Come join us for our next event to support Special Olympics in June for the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

Also, a huge shout out to our community partner, Dunkin Donuts, for their support!