(Mr. Karbusicky was a Community Service Officer with the City of Park Ridge for many years. This letter is printed with his permission)

September 1, 2000

Park Ridge Citizens Patrol

City of Park Ridge, IL

Dear Patrol Members:

As some of you know, I have just recently given notice to the Police Dept. that I will be leaving soon to accept a job offer in Wisconsin. I did not want to leave without expressing my gratitude for all that you have done over the years - both for the City at large, as well as for me personally in my capacity as the "desk jockey".

The Citizen Patrol concept is, in my opinion, an underrated tool in the arsenal of law enforcement. Alert observation on the part of trained citizens can spot crime before it happens, and can identify genuine hazards on the street before they lead to tragedy. I have personally seen a number of examples over the years where Park Ridge Citizen Patrollers have spotted bonafide crimes or violations in progress, and were able to report to and guide the police units in a way which resulted in a quick resolution or apprehension.

Furthermore, I have lost count of the many storms, power outages, fires, and other emergencies in which CP members were able to come in on short notice and free up police and fire units by providing traffic control assistance or security presence. This has been an invaluable service provided by the volunteer members of your patrol.

Thank you for all of this, and for the warm and friendly conversation I have enjoyed with many of your members over the years while sitting at Post One. I wish all of you well, and I wish you continued success in your dedicated service to Park Ridge.

Sincerely,

Kurt C. Karbusicky

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