Round Lake Beach police chief unveils refreshed Police Foundation, emphasizes officer wellness

Chief Rodriguez introduced a rebrand of the Round Lake Beach Police Foundation at the Village Council meeting on Aug. 18, saying the organization will operate as a 501(c)(3) to support officer wellness and community outreach.

The foundation’s stated mission, Rodriguez said, aligns with the department’s approach: “my mission, for the police department is service with purpose. We serve with purpose. And they’ve aligned with that same approach, engagement with purpose.”

Rodriguez told the council the foundation will “strengthen the partnership between Round Lake Beach Police Department and the community by supporting outreach and prevention programs, as well as aiding officers and their families.” He described the core focus as enhancing officer wellness and professional development by “providing training, health, resources, and tools that improve safety and effectiveness.”

Rodriguez credited volunteers with recent logistical work to restore the foundation’s nonprofit status, saying Mason helped “get back up and running specifically with our 5 0 1 c 3.” He also introduced Candy Hill, whom he said worked as a police records clerk beginning “around February, 02/2001,” and Charlie Durantes, identified as a long-standing community volunteer and voiced as “vice president of our local State Bank of the Lakes.”

The chief invited residents to join or support the foundation and said the board will expand membership to include community partners. No formal action or vote was taken; the presentation was an informational introduction to the refreshed foundation.