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Prospect Heights police chief outlines recruitment progress, Jan. 23 swearing-in and officer awards
Summary
The Prospect Heights police chief told the Fire and Police Commission that background checks are underway for candidates from a recent recruitment with the goal of having three officers ready for the Illinois State Police Academy in March; part-time officer Jacob Nashki will be sworn in Jan. 23 and Corporal Lair will be honored as officer of the year.
The Prospect Heights police chief updated the Fire and Police Commission on recruitment, onboarding and staff recognition during the commission’s routine meeting.
The chief told commissioners that “that list has been emailed to you all” and staff have begun background investigations for candidates who remain in the hiring process, with a goal of having three officers ready for the Illinois State Police Academy in March. The chief described the staged screening process that candidates will undergo: background checks followed by polygraph and psychological evaluations and medical and physical screenings; conditional offers will be extended at the start of that process.
The chief announced a swearing-in for part-time officer Jacob Nashki, saying, “January 23rd, this Friday at 3 p.m. here at city hall, part-time police officer Jacob Nashki is being sworn in.” The chief described Nashki’s previous work with the Chicago Police Department and his later service as a Chicago Fire Department firefighter, and said Nashki has been working with the Crystal Lake Park District Police Department before joining Prospect Heights. The chief said Nashki will work weekends and nights to provide additional patrol coverage.
Commissioners and the chief also noted departmental recognition: the chief said Corporal Lair was selected as officer of the year and will be recognized at an awards ceremony at the end of February, and the chief emphasized the importance of citizen commendation letters in recognizing officers’ work. Commissioners offered congratulations and thanked staff for the accomplishments.
Procedural business otherwise was brief: the commission approved minutes from the Dec. 17, 2025 regular, executive and special meetings by voice vote; there was no public comment; the next regular meeting was set for Feb. 25 at 4:00 p.m., and the commission adjourned.
The commission did not take additional formal action on hiring or policy at this meeting; the chief’s update outlined the department’s current steps and near-term scheduling for training and onboarding.
