Romeoville honors youth public safety camp graduates and longtime planning volunteer

The Village of Romeoville recognized the graduating class of the 2026 Youth Public Safety Camp and honored Petra Burgess for long service to the Planning & Zoning Commission at its July 15 meeting.

A presenter for the program described a five‑day camp (July 6–10) for 10‑ to 13‑year‑olds organized jointly by the Romeoville Fire and Police departments. "They ran hose lines," the presenter said; campers also took part in aerial operations, search‑and‑rescue exercises at O'Hara Woods with the fire department's K9 Roy, taser demonstrations from the police department, a mock SWAT scenario and a water‑balloon fight with the fire and police teams. The presenter added, "That's 5 days, 2 departments, and 1 group of kids who left knowing a lot more about what it actually takes to serve their community."

Mayor Noe presented certificates to the campers and asked the public to join in applause. Later in the meeting the mayor formally recognized Petra Burgess for service on the Planning and Zoning Commission from 2013 to 2026 and presented a token of appreciation for her years of volunteer work.

The recognition and camp presentation were followed by brief board remarks praising the program's outreach and the interdepartmental format that gave young residents exposure to multiple public‑safety roles. The village said the camp aims to build trust between youth and first responders and to encourage civic participation.

No formal action was required for the recognitions; both items were part of the meeting's ceremonial and informational business.