Will County Gazette

The Romeoville City Council recently recognized a quintet of police officers, three who were sworn in as new patrol officers and two who were promoted to sergeant and commander, respectively, of the department.

During the Jan. 18 meeting, which was streamed on YouTube, Police Chief Ken Kroll thanked the board and the Fire Police Commission for all their support, saying that they were thankful to have three new officers in a time when departments across the country are struggling to recruit and retain people. Matthew Bejgrowicz, who was promoted to commander, noted that many departments do not enjoy the support enjoyed in Romeoville.

“First and foremost, I'd like to thank the chief, Deputy Chief Fetzer and Deputy Chief Hromadka as well for putting faith in me, to trust my leadership abilities to guide this department into the future,” Bejgrowicz said in the meeting. “I'd like to thank the mayor and the village board for the amount of support that you provide the police department on a daily basis.”

Bejgrowicz also noted during the meeting that he has heard from friends who work in law enforcement in other cities and states, and they don’t receive the support he sees here.

“Every time we have asked for something that's going to put a strain on the budget or a piece of equipment that we need, you've always come through for us,” he said. “You've come through for us with manpower. You've done an amazing job transforming this village over the 20 years that I worked here. It's greatly appreciated. Our success is mirrored by the support you give us.”

The three new officers sworn in included Officer Eric Kramer, Officer Moises Paniagua and Officer Drake Xiong. Kramer, an avid bowler and Major League Baseball fan, hopes to one day travel to all 32 Major League parks. Xiong, an Illinois native who attended Western Illinois University, enjoys volleyball and video games. Paniagua served in the Army National Guard, reaching the rank of sergeant, and was deployed to Africa. He has worked as a paramedic and enjoys any athletic endeavor.

Donna Kemper, who joined the department in 2002, was promoted to sergeant during the meeting. She was off the force for eight years after suffering an injury but returned in 2018. She serves as a training officer for new recruits.

Bejgrowicz, who also joined the department in 2002, was promoted to the rank of commander during the meeting. A U.S. Marine veteran, he worked locally as a carpenter before joining the department and teaches jujitsu to members of the department as well as departments nationwide.