Vernon Hills honors retiring officer Becky Foy and recognizes Military Appreciation Month

The Village of Vernon Hills Board of Trustees used part of its May 19 meeting to issue ceremonial recognitions: a proclamation designating May 17–23, 2026, as National Public Works Week; a proclamation recognizing May 2026 as Military Appreciation Month; and an official acknowledgement of Police Officer Becky Foy’s retirement after 28 years with the Vernon Hills Police Department.

President Tom Cook Jr. read the Public Works Week proclamation, praising the department’s work maintaining water and sewer systems, streets, public buildings and snow removal and thanking staff for support during community events. A public works representative thanked the board and mayor for continued support.

President Cook then presented a proclamation honoring Becky Foy. The proclamation—read aloud—detailed Foy’s service history in Vernon Hills: hired as a college intern in 1997, appointed a police officer that year, and serving in roles including patrol officer, juvenile officer, evidence technician, investigator, school resource officer, patrol sergeant and patrol commander. The proclamation noted Foy served as the school resource officer at Vernon Hills High School from 2012 to 2016 and was recognized by the Illinois Juvenile Officers Association as the 2016 juvenile officer of the year. The proclamation extended the board’s gratitude for her 28 years of dedicated service. Becky Foy addressed the board, saying, “This community has given me so much for my childhood, to my career, and to the ability to raise my family in a truly supportive and wonderful community,” and that she looks forward to staying in the area.

John Taylor, agent for Vernon Hills Post 1247 of the American Legion, presented the 2026 military banners class and listed honorees, noting the program brings the total to 80 banners displayed this year. Taylor announced Memorial Day weekend activities: Friday at 10:00 a.m. to place flags at Vernon Cemetery in Lincolnshire (Northeast corner of 45 and 21), Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at Willow Lawn, and three ceremonies on Memorial Day (9:00 a.m. at Vernon Cemetery, 10:00 a.m. at Willow Lawn and 11:00 a.m. at the Vernon Hills Arbor Theater). Taylor thanked the board, Public Works, and the golf course for assistance with the program.

Chief Garrett also offered remarks thanking Becky Foy and wishing her well, noting she will be transitioning to another police department and remain in service. The meeting included brief public comment from Oscar Claros, a banner honoree, who thanked the board and the American Legion for the recognition. The board adjourned after brief communications and a short public-announcement period.

The proclamations are ceremonial; no formal policy or budget decisions tied to these recognitions were recorded at the meeting.