Ill. Police Department Marks 150 Years in Service

While Edwardsville noted its bicentennial in 2018, its police department did not formally begin until 1872, during the Reconstruction Era following the Civil War.

Police Chief Michael Fillback made a presentation Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in city hall at the city's public safety meeting on his department's sesquicentennial.

"We have a short presentation highlighting that the department is celebrating 150 years this December. I will talk about how things have changed over the years — from number of staff, things we do and deal with and technology," said Fillback.

He will also announce an online community forum for Nov. 14. His predecessor, former Police Chief Jay Keeven, did something similar during lockdown and it drew nearly 50 online attendees, many who wanted to know more about the nuts-and-bolts of police actions, including de-escalation and crisis training. Near the session's end, the former chief responded to submitted questions from viewers.

On the fire department side, Chief James Whiteford will provide an update on the new East Fire Station that has started construction on the north side of Governors' Parkway, east of District Drive. Recently, crews have been performing earthwork across the parkway from the site.

There is an emergency management exercise happening Nov. 15-17. Beyond those things, the committee will approve a resolution authorizing an intergovernmental agreement to participate in a mutual-aid box alarm system and another resolution for the mayor to sign with the East-West Gateway Council of Governments.

The next public safety meeting is Nov. 29 at 5:30 p.m. in city hall, located at 118 Hillsboro Ave.

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