Chris Kennedy leads a team of 100 officers and personnel as Chief of Police for the Village of Northbrook. The northern suburb of Chicago is home to about 35,000 people, one high school and, according to the chief, “lots of green, open spaces.” He previously held multiple leadership roles for Chicago’s police department, as well.
Here, Chief Kennedy shares insight into what makes law enforcement a true calling, his experience with the FirstNet®, Built with AT&T public safety network, and what he is most proud of today.
What made you interested in a law enforcement career?
My grandfather, who I never met, was second in command for the Illinois State Police, and my father was a Chicago police officer. I wasn’t actually planning on becoming a police officer – I was a history major in college and thought about going to law school. But, as I was finishing college in the early 90s, I took the police entrance exam just to take it – and proceeded to fall in love with law enforcement. In particular, in the early stages, when I was working with the Chicago PD, I loved the excitement, the daily changes, the unknown…seeing a different view of the big city. It was a backstage pass to life.
What gives you the most fulfillment working in law enforcement?
At this point in my career, it’s caring for the street officers – looking out for their well-being, mentoring and guiding them. The community service piece is important, of course, but policing is a career based on teamwork, where you build tight friendships in difficult times. I was part of and led tactical teams and helicopter units, for example. In each of those situations, you’re the ultimate responsibility – you’re responsible for all your colleagues’ well-being. I happily take that on.
How do you think FirstNet helps your department the most?
Our mission is serving and protecting. It really does come down to that. FirstNet helps us do that by being dependable, during high-usage times, in particular. A couple of examples: In nearby Highland Park, where they suffered an unimaginable tragedy with a parade shooting, we sent staff and had folks involved. I know the demands that can cause. They set up a command post just for that situation. Here in Northbrook, we had a large demonstration at Village Green Park that grew to a crowd of 1,100. Everyone was streaming, everyone was on their phones – but our connectivity was never impacted. Our phone and computers never went down. That’s due to the preemption that FirstNet provides.
Can you share any specific instances where FirstNet has been invaluable?
When I was with the Chicago PD, FirstNet was key to our security plans for large scale events – things like the Taste of Chicago, Lollapalooza, Bears games, concerts and demonstrations. AT&T would often provide a portable cell tower for us. It’s nice to know that the FirstNet Response Operations Group™ is available to support us during natural disasters or other catastrophic events where law enforcement can be pushed to the limit. FirstNet, Built with AT&T is definitely one of the partners we look to for support for these critical times.
What accolades mean the most to you?
Everything that you can’t count. Meaning, you can’t count what doesn’t occur. At the end of the day, you don’t have to make an arrest. You can’t count the violent crimes prevented or burglaries prevented.
When our officers come to work happy and end the day happy, that helps us serve the community well.
I’m proud that we’ve pushed to expand our community contacts and returned to a citizens’ police academy. Our officers participate in an annual police-fire basketball event in town, and we’re holding safety events for kids and the elderly in the community. Building a true connection with the community, and knowing they share in the knowledge and trust that we are there for them, brings true satisfaction.
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