Members of Kappa Lambda Chi, a nonprofit organization for veterans and active-duty military members, donated 100 gun locks to the Park Forest Police Department during a Village Board meeting on Monday. The initiative is intended to encourage safe firearm storage and enhance community safety.
Kappa Lambda Chi’s mission includes supporting local communities through education, youth mentoring, and promoting patriotism. Mark Kellogg, the group’s spokesperson and an employee of the Village of Park Forest, explained that community service is central to their work. “We believe the safer we are, the better we are as a community,” Kellogg said. “We’ve had several different fundraisers for the Village. This is just a community service event that we wanted to do for Park Forest.”
The donation follows recent changes in Illinois law regarding firearm storage. The state amended its Safe Gun Storage Act via the Illinois General Assembly to strengthen requirements for securing firearms. Under this law, gun owners must store firearms in locked containers or use devices designed to prevent unauthorized access, aiming to keep guns away from minors and those not permitted to possess them.
Park Forest Deputy Police Chief Kristopher Vallow noted that these efforts align with both legal compliance and proactive public safety measures. “Safe storage is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidental shootings and unauthorized access,” Vallow said. “These gun locks give residents an added layer of protection and help ensure firearms don’t end up in the wrong hands.”
Illinois law states that gun owners may face criminal penalties if an unsecured firearm falls into the hands of a minor or prohibited person. Authorities emphasize that using gun locks or secure containers can reduce risks such as theft or accidental discharge.
“This is about responsibility,” Vallow said. “If you choose to own a firearm, securing it properly is part of that responsibility. We’re grateful to Kappa Lambda Chi for helping us provide these tools to our residents.”
After presenting the donation at the board meeting, Kappa Lambda Chi members joined Park Forest trustees and Vallow for photos. The police department will distribute gun locks while supplies last; residents interested in obtaining one can call 708-748-4700 and must pick up their lock in person.
The Village of Park Forest promotes community health and engagement through dedicated commissions and programs according to its official website. The village operates under a council-manager government with a mayor and six trustees as its governing body (source). Additionally, Park Forest has been recognized for sustainability efforts in town planning (source) and provides educational opportunities like its Civic Leadership Academy (source).
