At the March 21, 2022 Gurnee Village Board Meeting Commander Les Durov of the Mount Prospect Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1337, presented a First Responder Americanism Certificate of Appreciation to Gurnee Police Sgt. Jason Kalinowski.  

The award was presented to Sgt. Kalinowski by Post 1337 as part of a program developed and sponsored by the national organization of the Veterans of Foreign Wars to honor and recognize first responders.  

 

Attending the presentation from the Village were Mayor Tom Hood, the Village Trustees,  Police Chief Brian Smith, Police Commander Jon Ward and many officers of the Gurnee Police Department.   Also in attendance was Sgt. Kalinowski’s wife, Danielle.  

 

Joining Commander Durov were several officers of Post 1337 and American Legion Post 525.

Sgt. Kalinowski began his career as policeman in 2006 when he joined the Kenilworth Police Department after graduating from the Police Training Institute in Champaign.  

 

In 2008 he moved to the Village of Gurnee where he has served for almost 14 years.  During his tenure Sgt Kalinowski has served the Village in many police positions including as the New Hire Liaison, the Field Training Officer Coordinator, and the Field Sobriety Test Trainer.  He is also the current President of the Fraternal Order of Police Social Lodge.  

 

Sgt Kalinowski and Danielle reside in Antioch with their 10 year-old son and 8 year-old daughter.

 

In accepting the award Sgt. Kalinowski expressed his thanks and appreciation to Post 1337 for honoring him with the certificate. He told the audience that he was extremely proud to serve the citizens of Gurnee and to wear the badge and uniform of the Gurnee Police Department.

 

VFW Post 1337 is honored to salute this talented, dedicated and brave police officer who helps make the Village of Gurnee be a better place to work and live by keeping its residents and employees safe.