O'Fallon Police Department

It's been a big week here at the O'Fallon Police Department! On Wednesday, we had the pleasure of swearing in Evan Dixon as Chief for the day. After taking his oath of office, Chief Dixon wasted no time inspecting his department. He reviewed budgets with the former Chief, had a teleconference with Mayor Herb Roach, did some target practice in the simulator, and personally visited all of the departments within the O'Fallon Public Safety Building. Chief Dixon's impact on our agency was immediately apparent as he approved the following purchase requests and policy changes:
- Criminal Investigations Division gets a submarine.
- Patrol gets Cyber Trucks.
- MECOMM dispatch gets a personal chef.
- EMS gets a helicopter.
- Administration gets a soft serve ice cream machine.
- The Uniform Policy makes Crocs acceptable footwear for all departments.

After a full morning of experiencing all that OPD has to offer, and avoiding repeated calls from the finance department, Chief Dixon finished his career with a pizza party before handing the reins back to Chief Brueggeman.

Unfortunately, Chief Brueggeman immediately canceled all purchases and policy changes... We're hoping he reconsiders the Crocs policy!

Our very own Captain Mike Mojzis is there all week as a camp counselor. Thank you ISP for hosting and running this great program.

State Street has reopened to traffic.

O'Fallon Police Department releases Independence Day enforcement numbers

The O'Fallon Police made 1 impaired driving during two overtime shifts as part of the Independence Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI” safety campaign.

The two officers also made a traffic arrest, issued 5 speeding citations and 9 other citations during the two shifts.

O'Fallon Police joined forces with more than 200 other state and local law enforcement agencies to get drunk and drugged drivers off our roads, and enforce speeding and other traffic laws.

The enforcement period was funded by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation as part of the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI” and “Click It or Ticket” programs.

District Nights July 11th is this Thursday!

A quick reminder for everyone coming out; don't forget to bring your lawn chairs, and please leave the coolers, bottles, Stanley’s (even if it matches your outfit perfectly😊) and all other food and drink at home.

We have over 20 local businesses with food and drinks options for everyone. We also have five free water stations throughout and, new for this time; all kid friendly drink vendors will have cup toppers and straws to help the little ones keep their beverages within the cup :).

This month's cup color is orange; all beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, must be in an event cup. The event cup is only $5 and all drink vendors will have them available. These funds go to support this event and others produced by your Downtown District businesses.

Tomorrow is July's Downtown District Nights Concert. The roads shown in red on the attached map will close to traffic and parking at 2:00 PM. All vehicles must be removed from the closed roads by 2:00 PM. Festivities start at 5:00 PM and the roads will reopen after the event ends and the roadways are cleared.

UPDATE:
Roadway is clear and open to traffic!!

PSA!!!
Scott Troy Rd is currently not passable due to a large tree falling in the road. It is impassable between Quarry Rd to the north and Hwy 50 to the South. Please seek alternate routes. Detouring around and using Quarry Rd is your best route to travel north and south. We will advise when the tree is removed.

We have confirmation, the Fireworks are a GO!!! See everyone at the O'Fallon Family Sports Park tonight! Estimated launch time is 8:45pm.

***UPDATED***

We are sorry for the confusion on the date!

Fireworks Over O'Fallon will be on WEDNESDAY July 3rd at the O'Fallon Family Sports Park starting around 8:30pm (dusk). The maps below show the parking and seating areas available inside the park, as well as designated no-parking areas outside the park. Once all of the parking lots inside the park are full, no other cars will be allowed in. Additionally, we have included a traffic flow map for after the fireworks have concluded. Traffic from inside the park exiting to the west will be able to go north or south on Venita Dr. and north on Simmons Rd. Traffic exiting the east side of the park will be directed southbound on Obernuefemann Rd. All traffic exiting the neighborhoods east of the Sports Park will be directed northbound on Obernuefemann Rd. and then north on Simmons Rd. Please plan accordingly as traffic exiting the park will have priority. See you then!

With the dry weather, heat, and increased fire risk the past couple of weeks, setting off illegal personal fireworks poses a signifigant danger to property and residences throughout our community. Think twice before heading over to Missouri or Indiana this weekend to buy those illegal fireworks. We will be issuing citations for those who choose to set off illegal fireworks in O'Fallon.

If you still need your fireworks fix, come watch the professionals on July 3rd at the O'Fallon Family Sports Park!

On June 19, 1865, nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln emancipated enslaved Africans in America, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas with news of freedom. More than 250,000 African Americans embraced freedom by executive decree in what became known as Juneteenth or Freedom Day. With the principles of self-determination, citizenship, and democracy magnifying their hopes and dreams, those Texans held fast to the promise of true liberty for all.

O'Fallon Police Department plans stepped-up traffic enforcement for July Fourth celebrations

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, Drive High Get a DUI

As Independence Day approaches, O'Fallon Police are gearing up for increased traffic enforcement to ensure the safety of all residents and motorists. From June 21 through the early-morning hours of July 8, our officers will be working tirelessly to keep impaired drivers off the road and ticketing unbuckled motorists.

“It’s a straightforward message: If you're behind the wheel, stay sober. Don’t drink, use ma*****na, or consume any other impairing substances before or when driving,” said Chief Kirk Brueggeman. “Our officers will be on duty around the clock, dedicated to enforcing traffic laws and, most importantly, saving lives.”

Driving under the influence not only poses a grave risk to oneself but also endangers passengers and fellow road users. The financial and human costs of a DUI are immeasurable. The decision to avoid driving impaired is simple and could spare lives.

The O'Fallon Police Department is collaborating with the Illinois State Police and over 200 local police and sheriffs’ departments in this unified effort to enhance statewide enforcement during this period.

To ensure a fun and safe holiday celebration, we urge everyone to follow these tips:
• Designate a sober driver before heading out.
• Prevent friends and family members from driving under the influence.
• If you find yourself impaired, use safe alternatives such as taxis, public transit and ride-sharing apps, or contact a sober friend or family member for a ride.
• Use designated driver programs available in your community.
• Report suspected drunk drivers promptly to law enforcement by pulling over and dialing 911.
• Ensure that all passengers in your vehicle buckle up. It’s not only the law, but also a crucial defense against impaired drivers.

The traffic safety enforcement effort, including the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI,” and “Click It or Ticket” programs, is made possible through federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. These efforts are complemented by IDOT’s “It’s Not a Game” media campaign, which emphasizes the serious consequences of impaired driving and other unsafe driving behaviors.

---UPDATE--- Located and safe. Thank you all for your assistance!

***Missing Endangered Person***

Please keep a look out for Phillip A Goodwin, 90-year-old male, 5'11" 170lbs, who suffers from dementia and was last seen leaving the Scott Air Force Base (6/18/24) just after 4:20 PM driving a white Chrysler Pacifica (IL PAGOOD1). Please call the O'Fallon Police 618-624-4545 if you have seen him or his vehicle.

Last night was First Responders Night at the Gateway Grizzlies stadium. Prior to the Grizzlies game, first responders from St. Clair and Monroe counties competed against each other in a game of softball.

OPD Officers Carter, Piquard, Shewmaker and Lewis participated and helped pull off a 20-6 victory. But who was keeping score…😉😉😉 It was all in good fun!

We had an amazing time this last weekend at the Special Olympics Summer Games in Bloomington-Normal. It was great to see our friends from PTOEC (Parent Teacher Organization for Exceptional Children), help with the events, and watch the games. Officers who participated in the Final Leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run received a medal from the young athletes when they arrived at the ISU campus before the opening ceremony... quite a touching moment. Sgt. Nick Schmidt also had the honor of lighting the cauldron with the Flame of Hope, signifying the start of the Summer Games!!!

This year the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run provided a check to Special Olympics Illinois in the amount of $5,031,270. We appreciate all the community support we receive at OPD, which allowed our fundraising efforts to be a part of that amazing donation.

Parent Teacher Organization for Exceptional Children - PTOEC

Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics

Special Olympics Illinois- Region J

Would you take a look at these pictures and let us know if you recognize this guy? We would like to speak with him about a burglary which occured last week in the 1500 block of W. Hwy 50.

Please email Det. Benjamin Callahan II at [email protected] or call 618-624-4545 Ext. 0 with any helpful information. Thank you!

Road Closures for Thursday's District Nights Concert Series are pictured below. Please note that S. Lincoln Ave. along with East 1st Street and West 1st Street will be closed from 2:00 PM until approximately 11:00 PM on Thursday, June 6th.
Vehicles may detour around the closed area using Oak Street or Vine Street.

Today, your O'Fallon Police Department participated in the 2024 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. In addition to our officers and staff, our Youth Police Academy class took time to participate in the 2.5 mile run from Sam's Club to Bank of O'Fallon. A special thanks to several of the athletes who came out to participate and cheer us on!!!

Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics

Special Olympics Illinois- Region J

Law Enforcement Civilian Personnel Appreciation Week – June 2, 2024 – June 8, 2024

In an effort to recognize the contributions of all individuals within law enforcement agencies, not just Police Officers or Telecommunicators, the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police has proclaimed that the first full week of June be designated as Law Enforcement Civilian Personnel Appreciation Week.

At the O’Fallon Police Department, these individuals include our Records Division, Community Service Officers, our Administrative Assistant, as well as our Evidence Custodian. These folks are an integral part of our daily operations and help to ensure we are providing the level of service our community expects.

We appreciate their service and dedication to OPD! Thank you for all you do!

The O'Fallon Police Department announced three impaired drivers were arrested during the Memorial Day Impaired Driving enforcement period.

“Through the Memorial Day enforcement campaign, we helped make Illinois roads safer and spread the word that impaired driving will not be tolerated in O'Fallon."

During the enforcement period which consisted of four 6 hour hire back shifts and focused on enforcement of impaired driving, we arrested 3 violators for Driving Under the Influence. In addition, we issued the following citations:

2 seat belt violations
1 suspended/revoked license
2 uninsured motorists
5 speeding citations
9 other traffic/registration violations

This campaign was funded with federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

OPD Officer Brad Lewis and Fairview Heights Officer Jon Friederich shared this picture and probably didn’t expect it to end up on our FB page. Nonetheless, here it is. Handsome fellas aren’t they?!?!

They are attending a Peer Support for 1st Responders class this week.

In addition, to our officers being physically “fit for duty” we recognize it’s just as important for officers to be mentally and emotionally “fit for duty” also. Training is just a small part of this process.

Our Peer Support Program focuses on educating and taking care of our officers and their families so they can have successful careers and live long happy lives!

Thank you!

Vote for our Vine Street Market!!!

Check it out! Everyone's favorite Vine Street Market has been named one of five finalists in St. Louis Magazine's A-List for the best farmer's market in the region. Help us let the rest of the region know what everyone locally already does, that the Vine Street Market at O'Fallon Station is the best farmer's market around!

‼️ You can vote every day, once a day until June 17th! ‼️

Use this link to vote. https://www.stlmag.com/alist #//

This evening, Chief Kirk Brueggeman presented the O’Fallon Police Department’s Community Service Award to O’Fallon resident, Jim Ford, during the O’Fallon City Council meeting. Jim was nominated by members of the department because of his unwavering support of OPD, especially regarding his efforts in supporting the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Jim has been one of the top civilian fundraisers in the State of Illinois and has participated in the Polar Plunge for the last several years. He was also instrumental in helping the O’Fallon FOP with their donation of a wheelchair accessible bus to the PTOEC (Parent Teacher Organization for Exceptional Children). Jim is also a graduate of the O’Fallon Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy.

“Jim has become the citizen others should strive to emulate. It is what the world needs more of... those who care about their community and do something to make it better.” – Sgt. Brian Gimpel.

***EDIT*** Our non-emergency phone system is working properly again.

We are currently experiencing an interruption with our non-emergency phone system within our communications center. Our agency dispatches for O'Fallon, Fairview Heights, and Shiloh. If you are unable to reach our communications center through our normal non-emergency number, please call the Shiloh Police Department's main line at 618-632-9047, extension 2 to speak with one of our telecommunicators.

Our 9-1-1 emergency lines are not impacted by this interruption.

NEWS RELEASE: Officer Goodman plays to sold out crowd at Marie Schaefer!!

As part of our Adopt-a-Cop Program, OPD Officers are paired up with every second-grade classroom in the city. Officers visit their classroom throughout the year giving presentations, eating lunch, or attending a classroom party. Officers Carter, Effan, Fender and Goodman coordinated with their teachers at Marie Schaefer to have a picnic in the park. However, we didn’t let the rainy weather yesterday spoil the fun… we grilled and brought the picnic to their classrooms.

Yesterday’s visit concluded with an impromptu concert for the 2nd grade classes by Officer Goodman. It was evident they wanted to keep the party going when they began chanting “Play Free Bird” 😊

Kudos to our officers and our teachers for coordinating this event!

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls, National Police Week. National Police Week recognizes the service of those individuals across this nation which have dedicated their lives to protecting our communities.

Today, on National Peace Officers Memorial Day we honor those who lost their lives in the performance of their duties. This year, 282 names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, 118 of which were killed during 2023. In total, the Memorial holds the names of over 24,000 fallen Law Enforcement Officers.

Visit nleomf.org to learn more about the Memorial, and the Museum, located in Washington, DC.

With soliciting season upon us, we want to spread the word on what is, and what is not allowed per our solicitors ordinance. Additional information, including a link to the full ordinance and instructions on adding your address to the "Do Not Contact" list, can be found below. As always, if you have a complaint regarding a solicitor in violation of the ordinance, please contact the O'Fallon Police Department at 618-624-4545 so we can send an Officer to investigate.

https://www.ofallon.org/police-department/pages/solicitor-permits

This Memorial Day, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Summer is just around the corner, and while travel plans may vary, one thing remains constant: Diving under the Influence is never a good idea. With this in mind, the O'Fallon Police Department today announced that now through Memorial Day weekend it is stepping up enforcement efforts to remind motorists to "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over."

Whether you are out on the lake, at the pool, at a BBQ, or hanging out with family and friends, driving drunk is never a good idea. Designate a sober driver or call for a ride. Just don't get behind the wheel after you have been drinking. Remember that buzzed driving is Drunk Driving.

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is funded with federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Saturday is the kickoff to this year's Vine Street Markets (every Saturday May 11 - Oct 19th 8AM - 12PM). A slight change from last year in road closures...E. First Street is only accessible by vehicles entering/exiting from Lincoln Ave., making it a dead end at Vine St. Vine Street is closed from State St all the way to Second Street.

This will make it safer for pedestrians and make more room for vendors. There will be a designated U-turn area at end of E. First St., but please be patient and cautious driving in the area.

Thank You and enjoy the Market!!