The Park Forest Police Department recognized two of its members for outstanding service at the recent Village Board meeting, naming Sergeant Purdy as Officer of the Year and Records Clerk Katherine “Kat” Worley as Civilian Employee of the Year for 2025.
Sergeant Purdy, who has served with the department for nine years, received the Officer of the Year award. This recognition is given annually to a sworn member who demonstrates dedication, leadership, and upholds departmental principles. Purdy has been nominated for this honor four years in a row and has earned several commendations, including a quarterly term award in 2025.
In 2025, Purdy’s proactive policing led to multiple arrests involving firearms. He recovered loaded guns during street encounters and traffic stops, one of which was reported stolen. These actions resulted in charges such as aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a stolen firearm, and driving under the influence. Over six weeks that year, he made eight DUI arrests—four while training a probationary officer.
As a field training officer, Purdy played an important role in mentoring new officers and reinforcing professional standards within the department. Leadership cited his mentorship as key to positive outcomes among personnel.
In October 2025, Purdy transitioned into the Investigations Unit as detective sergeant. In this position he took on complex felony cases; for example, he identified and arrested an offender in an aggravated battery case based solely on vehicle information. In another case involving aggravated domestic battery, he obtained a search warrant and coordinated surveillance that led to an arrest and recovery of narcotics.
Purdy also manages the department’s Facebook page as part of its social media team since 2017. The page now has over 28,000 followers and is noted by community members for its creative content.
Records Clerk Katherine “Kat” Worley was named Civilian Employee of the Year after ten years with Park Forest Police Department. She maintains records systems by processing daily paperwork from officers—including entering citations and arrests into management systems—and prepares court transfer sheets.
Worley compiles monthly state and federal statistical reports while assisting officers with data review before submission to ensure accuracy. She also trains coworkers on subpoena preparation procedures and continues to assist with those requests when needed. Officials noted her willingness to volunteer for overtime shifts despite attending college full-time.
Selection for both awards follows a formal review process by an Awards Board composed of sworn officers and civilian staff from across the agency; final approval rests with the chief of police.
The Officer of the Year serves as official representative at community events throughout their term; both honorees will have their names added to permanent plaques at police headquarters.
Police officials stated: “Both recipients exemplify the professionalism, dedication, and commitment to service that define the Park Forest Police Department.”
Park Forest operates under a council-manager government structure featuring a mayor and six trustees according to its official website. The village promotes community health through dedicated programs and encourages engagement via commissions. It also supports sustainability initiatives and educational opportunities like its Civic Leadership Academy.
