City of Rock Island Government

Bi-State Regional Commission along with Rock Island, Milan, Moline and Rock Island County are conducting a study of Andalusia Road/Indian Bluff Road from Turkey Hollow Road to US 150 and are seeking input from the public and stakeholders. The purpose of this survey is to identify needs and opportunities along the corridor.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AndalusiaRoadCorridorStudy

🍭🎉Don't miss your chance to be a part of the vibrant Rock Island Labor Day Parade! Make sure to submit your entry by August 19, 2024.🏆🎊

Whether you’re a community group, local business, family, troop, school, or band, we want to see you there! Let’s make this year’s parade the best one yet.

👉 Visit https://rigov.org/213/Labor-Day-Parade-Advisory-Board for entry forms and more details.

Join us in celebrating our community spirit and honoring the contributions of our workforce. See you at the parade! 🎈

Dear CSI, 48 Hours and Dateline fans, live out your dream job in real life! The Rock Island Police Department is hiring for the position of police criminalist. Apply at rigov.org. 🕵️‍♀️

Have you always wanted to be a CSI? The Rock Island Police Department is hiring for the position of Police Criminalist. This is a full-time position which includes crime scene processing, latent fingerprint recovery and examination, and crime scene photography. High School diploma (or GED) and successful completion of a four-year college degree program in criminology, forensics, or a closely related field is required. Experience in the collection, preservation, and processing of crime scene evidence is preferred. For more details and to apply, go to https://www.rigov.org/231/Employment

📣 Do you know someone who deserves recognition? Nominations for the 2024 Rock Island Citizen of the Year awards are open until 5 p.m. Thursday! 🏆 Link to the nomination form: https://rigov.org/FormCenter/Community-Engagement-Manager-forms-16/City-of-Rock-Island-2024-Citizen-of-the--92?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR003bi7_sCWb153S0bHbIG3ULcmQLOgkg5SbSuHwRvIC3DW343PWM9eYtI_aem_x8iyn0cq9c0wonfjcAiCpg

Each year, people in the community have an opportunity to submit a nomination for those who have inspired or mentored others, or made selfless contributions of service to the City of Rock Island. There are nine categories available for nomination: Individual; Youth; Education; Professional; Artist or Creator; Veteran; City Employee; Business; and Organization, Church or Non-Profit.

Winners will be recognized and presented with awards during the Aug. 26 city council meeting. Citizen of the Year winners will also ride in the 40th annual Labor Day Parade on Monday, Sept. 2. 🇺🇸 One individual or group will be chosen from the Citizen of the Year winners and will serve as the 2024 Labor Day Parade Grand Marshal.

The awards were founded in 1987 by former Alderpersons Grace Shirk and James Kerr as a way to recognize individuals and organizations that make a positive difference in the Rock Island .

In partnership with the Rock Island-Milan School District 41 and Rock Island Public Library, the City of Rock Island is spreading awareness about mental health. This is part of a larger initiative by the Library to provide mental health support over the next three years. Mental health action postcards were distributed at local schools that feature a QR code anyone can scan to find local mental health resources and community information. The postcards will be handed out to students on their first day of school this Monday.

In April, Rock Island City Council members approved $50,000 in American Rescue Plan funds to the Library for the purpose of mental health initiatives.

Candidate filing packets are now available at City Hall, 1528 Third Ave. The packet includes general information regarding the election and the necessary forms for nomination. All elections in the City of Rock Island are non-partisan.

Municipal elections will be held Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Offices up for election in Rock Island in 2025 include mayor, and wards 1, 3, 5 and 7.

Filing for all candidates will be held Monday, October 21 through Monday, October 28 in the city clerk’s office from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Additional information, including the 2025 Candidate’s Guide, is available from the Illinois State Board of Elections.

✅ Vote for Tim Kavanaugh as FAVORITE ELECTRICIAN ⚡️ in the Quad-City Times Best of the Quad Cities contest! Tim has worked for the City of Rock Island for eight years and is the lead electrician.

Tim is part of a two-man electrical team (including Cole Schmidt) that handles everything in the City when it comes to electrical work such a JULIE locates, traffic signals, street lighting, building maintenance, park maintenance and more. Tim also serves as an advisor on the Rebuild Downtown Rock Island project currently underway. He is an invaluable part of our team!
Kavanaugh's Hilltop

Are you good with numbers and attention to detail? 📝 Do you want to earn a good salary and benefits from a wonderful employer? The City of Rock Island is seeking a budget and purchasing coordinator to work in the finance department. Apply today at rigov.org.

📣 Do you know someone who deserves recognition? Nominations for the 2024 Rock Island Citizen of the Year awards are now open! 🏆 Each year, people in the community have an opportunity to submit a nomination for those who have inspired or mentored others, or made selfless contributions of service to the City of Rock Island. There are nine categories available for nomination: Individual; Youth; Education; Professional; Artist or Creator; Veteran; City Employee; Business; and Organization, Church or Non-Profit.

The awards were founded in 1987 by former Alderpersons Grace Shirk and James Kerr as a way to recognize individuals and organizations that make a positive difference in the Rock Island community.

Link to the nomination form: https://rigov.org/FormCenter/Community-Engagement-Manager-forms-16/City-of-Rock-Island-2024-Citizen-of-the--92

Nominations will be accepted until Thursday, Aug. 8 at 5 p.m. Winners will be recognized and presented with awards during the Aug. 26 city council meeting.

Citizen of the Year winners will also ride in the 40th annual Labor Day Parade on Monday, Sept. 2. 🇺🇸 One individual or group will be chosen from the Citizen of the Year winners and will serve as the 2024 Labor Day Parade Grand Marshal.

Form Center • City of Rock Island 2024 Citizen of the Year O

Big news! 📣 Rock Island Fire Department Lt. Kyle Sebben has been nominated as a finalist for BEST FIREFIGHTER in the Quad-City Times Best of the Quad Cities 2024! 🚒
Vote directly at https://qctimes.com/exclusive/readerschoice/ballot-2024/?enhanced-listing=4c1a3f3e-3f3f-3f45-3f3f-1d3f3f213f30
and again by texting 759 to 563-649-4056.

You can vote TWICE per day, once online and again via text through Friday, Aug. 16. Let's help Lt. Sebben get the recognition he deserves and at the same time, give a big shout out to the RIFD!

📣 Rock Island is a finalist for Best Place to Live in the Quad-City Times Best of the Quad-Cities 2024! Support your community and all that our city has to offer.
Voting is open NOW through August 16th by visiting https://qctimes.com/exclusive/readerschoice/ballot-2024/?enhanced-listing=3f3c3b3f-6e3f-2841-3f15-453f7775063f
or text 758 to 563-649-4056. You can vote TWICE per day -- once on the website and once via text.

Stop by Kavanaugh's Hilltop this Sunday and support a good cause!

Rock Island is blessed to have Officer Brooks as our new elderly service officer.

The Rock Island Police Department announces the re-establishment of the Elderly Service Officer Program.

In 1993, the Rock Island Police Department created the Elderly Service Officer Program, which helps to advocate for and support the elderly population within our community. Designed to assist our citizens age 60 and older, the ESO investigates allegations of elder abuse and neglect, as well as provides educational support in areas in which the elderly are often targeted such as scams and fraud.

Due to a shortage in staffing levels, the Rock Island Police Department has not been able to staff the position of Elderly Service Officer for several years.

Chief of Police Tim McCloud is proud to announce that the Rock Island Police Department has re-instituted this beneficial program, with veteran Officer Spencer Brooks chosen to be the new Elderly Service Officer.

“Officer Brooks’ commitment to our community, his previous experience working with the Rock Island Housing Authority, and the trust he has already earned with the citizens of Rock Island make him the perfect choice to fill this role and relaunch a much-needed program,” says Chief McCloud.

If you, or someone you know age 60 or older are in need of ESO services, please contact the Rock Island Police Department at (309) 732-COPS.

Please help us congratulate Officer Brooks on his selection as ESO!

Congratulations to Project NOW, Inc. on their groundbreaking today Downtown Rock Island at the former Star Cres building, 1830 2nd Ave. The non-profit will move into the 35,000-square-foot facility following some renovations. As their mission and community need have expanded, so has their need for space to continue the important work they do. Congratulations to our community partner!

As the annual Quad Cities Corporate Games come to a close, the City of Rock Island made another attempt at claiming the trophy, going head-to-head with other cities and organizations in a brutal game of SKEEBALL a few nights ago. Held at the Analog Arcade Bar -21+- Davenport, Team Rock Island was represented by city employees Jessica Sager, Kim Kruse and Sarah Hayden. Although they took 4th place, they still had a BALL. 🏆

Do you love working with children and are looking to make some extra cash? Then this job is a win-win for you! The City of Rock Island is seeking a part-time preschool aide. Apply today at rigov.org.

🍎Backpacks and Badges! Would you like to help prepare Rock Island/Milan School District 41 students for the new school year? The Rock Island Police Department, in partnership with The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, is organizing the Backpacks and Badges back-to-school event on Aug. 3 for low income Kindergarten through 8th grade students living in Rock Island. Students will be provided with many essential school supplies to help support their successful return to school next month. Currently, the police department is collecting donations of food, backpacks and school supplies for the event, with a goal of distributing 250 backpacks. 📚✏️

Monetary donations (made out to the Rock Island Police Department) or school supply donations will need to be dropped off at the police department by Tuesday, July 30 to ensure everything is prepared to kick things off on event day. Here is a list of the needed school supplies if you would like to participate:

👉Three-ring binders; binder dividers; calculators; colored pencils (24 ct); box of 24 ct. crayons; dry erase markers (4 ct, skinny, low odor); eraser (large, pink); pencil tip erasers; glue (8 oz bottle, white washable); glue sticks; graph paper; highlighters (pink, yellow, blue, green), facial tissue, Clorox wipes, classic markers (fine line, washable); classic markers (broad line, washable); pens (black or blue); pencils ( #2, 20 ct. sharpened, standard yellow); pocket folders (2 pocket/3 prong); 12" ruler with inches/cm; scissors; spiral notebooks (70 pages, same color as pocket folders); composition notebook; sticky notes; wide ruled notebook paper (1 pkg, 200 pages or more); watercolor paints; and playdough (small containers).

It's time for the annual Tell On Your Neighbor Awards! 📣

Each year, residents of Rock Island are encouraged to "Tell On Your Neighbor" by nominating yards in their neighborhood they find to be the most appealing or the most improved. 🌷🪻🌹

Nominations can be made through August 20 and must include digital photos of the nominated yard. Please do not go on private property. Photos and address of the nominated property should be sent to the Community Development Department by email to [email protected].

All entries will be reviewed by the City of Rock Island’s Beautification Commission. Approved nominees will receive certificates of appreciation from Mayor Mike Thoms and the Rock Island Beautification Commission Chair.

🚨The Rock Island Fire Department is pleased to announce the promotions of Captain Jon Briggs to the position of fire marshal; Lieutenant Brandon Baker to the rank of captain; and Firefighter Justin Welvaert to the rank of lieutenant, effective Monday, July 22.

Briggs began his distinguished career with the Rock Island Fire Department in 2000. His dedication and exceptional service led to his promotion to lieutenant in 2008, and to the rank of captain in 2018. His commitment to excellence was recognized by the Knights of Columbus in 2009 when he was honored with the Firefighter of the Year award. In addition to his firefighting duties, Briggs has specialized as a fire investigator and hazardous materials technician. He also has been instrumental in developing and leading the department’s drone program and enhancing operational capabilities. Briggs holds a bachelor’s degree in fire administration from Columbia Southern University, providing him with a strong foundation in leadership and fire service management.

"We are incredibly proud of Fire Marshal Briggs and his accomplishments," said Fire Chief Bob Graff. "His expertise, leadership and dedication to the Rock Island community make him an outstanding choice for the role of fire marshal. We look forward to his continued contributions in this new capacity."

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Captain Brandon Baker joined the Rock Island Fire Department in 2007 and quickly established himself as a dedicated and skilled firefighter. In 2016, his outstanding contributions were recognized when he was awarded Firefighter of the Year by the Knights of Columbus. His exemplary service led to his promotion to Lieutenant in 2019. Baker has made significant contributions to the department through his work on the Foreign Fire Tax Board, where he has served for more than 10 years. He has been a key player in the research, testing and application of the department’s equipment, apparatus, and operational policies, ensuring the department remains at the forefront of firefighting technology and practices.

In addition to his duties with the department, Baker is a State Fire Academy instructor with the Illinois Fire Service Institute and a technical rescue technician with the regional response team. His expertise and commitment to training and technical rescue have been invaluable to the department and the community.

"Lt. Baker's promotion to captain is a testament to his hard work, dedication and leadership," said Fire Chief Bob Graff. "He has been an instrumental part of our team and we are confident he will continue to excel in his new role as captain."

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Justin Welvaert’s promotion to the rank of lieutenant is a recognition of his dedication, expertise and contributions to the department and the community since he was hired in 2006. Welvaert is highly qualified, holding certifications as a Firefighter III, Fire Instructor 1, and Fire Officer 1. His commitment to specialized training and response is evident through his role as a deployable member of the regional Hazardous Materials Team. Additionally, he is working toward joining the newly formed Drone Team, further enhancing the department's operational capabilities.

One of Welvaert's most notable contributions has been his involvement in the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Fill the Boot event. His dedication to this cause has helped raise significant funds and awareness for the MDA, demonstrating his commitment to serving the community both on and off duty.

"Justin Welvaert's promotion to Lieutenant is a testament to his hard work, dedication and leadership within our department," said Fire Chief Bob Graff. "His expertise and commitment to our community make him an invaluable asset to the Rock Island Fire Department and we are confident he will continue to excel in his new role."

⚠️ Hats off to our public works crews who worked hard this week on an extensive project along 9th Street between 37th and 42nd avenues. The crews replaced a non-functional fire hydrant, replaced broken water valves and added several valves to the distribution system which will allow the City to isolate an emergency and allow one or both the schools to continue operations while repairs are made. It was a very complex, labor-intensive project and our guys worked hard to get it done.

It's been a very busy and active few weeks for day camp at the The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center! For the final day, the kids and their counselors put on a talent show, displaying their dancing and singing skills.

🔊 As you may be aware, a significant computer/software outage has affected major industries around the globe to include airlines, banks and emergency services. Rest assured, 911 dispatch, including 911 texting, is fully functional and the members of the Rock Island Police Department and Rock Island Fire Department stand ready to respond to all emergencies.

However, City Hall has been affected. If you need to pay your water bill or conduct other business, please wait until systems have been restored. Thank you.

🔥Big news! Congratulations to newly-appointed Deputy Fire Chief Greg Marty, effective July 17. Fire Chief Bob Graff promoted Deputy Chief Marty from the position of fire marshal. He replaces Assistant Fire Chief Terry Smith, who retired July 17. The position has been renamed deputy fire chief to reflect the duties of the role.

“We are pleased to announce the promotion of Fire Marshal Greg Marty to Rock Island Deputy Fire Chief,” Graff said. “Fire Marshal Marty has demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership throughout his career, and his promotion reflects his commitment to the safety and well-being of our community. We look forward to his continued contributions in his new role as deputy fire chief.”

Deputy Chief Marty was hired by the Rock Island Fire Department on August 20, 2001. He was promoted to lieutenant on August 13, 2007; to captain on November 29, 2010; and to fire marshal (battalion chief) on January 21, 2013.

As fire marshal, Marty improved the efficiency of the fire investigation division by increasing the number of investigators and investing in new tools and better personal protective equipment. He also was Rock Island’s first Illinois certified arson investigator.

Marty implemented the City of Rock Island’s Community Risk Reduction Plan. As part of this plan, he adopted the full fire code, making Rock Island the first downstate municipality to champion the added life-safety of residential fire sprinklers. He also led the local initiative to install free smoke alarms in the homes of Rock Island residents.

During Marty’s tenure as fire marshal, Rock Island was awarded the Fire-Star Fire Safe Community designation. Marty served as president of the Quad City Area Fire Marshal’s Association, as chairman of the MABAS 43 Fire Investigation Team, and currently serves as a director for the Illinois Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators.

Prior to holding the fire marshal position, Marty was a paramedic, a member of the MABAS 43 HazMat Team, a member of the MABAS 43 Technical Rescue Team, and he pioneered the purchase and procurement of the Rock Island Fire Department’s first fire/rescue boat as chairman of the Foreign Fire Tax Committee.

In his new role, Deputy Chief Marty will oversee the Operations Division and the Training Division of the fire department. He will also will assist with other administrative roles and responsibilities to serve the needs of the members of the Rock Island Fire Department.

"It is both a privilege and a profound responsibility to serve as the deputy fire chief of the Rock Island Fire Department,” Marty said. “Ensuring the safety and well-being of every citizen and every member of the Rock Island Fire Department shall always be our highest priority."

Today we said farewell to Assistant Fire Chief Terry Smith, who retired after more than 28 years of service with the Rock Island Fire Department. Dozens of friends, family, coworkers and city staff helped him celebrate this afternoon at the Central Fire Station. He will be dearly missed! Chief Bob Graff said it best, "Assistant Chief Smith's retirement marks the end of an era for our department, but his impact will be felt for many years to come. His unwavering dedication to public safety has left an indelible mark on all who have had the privilege of working with him."

🚨 Assistant Chief Smith has been a member of the Rock Island Fire Department since 1996. He has served as a lieutenant, captain and as battalion chief of the Third Battalion. He was promoted to assistant fire chief on Jan. 23, 2023. As assistant fire chief, Smith has served as the department’s training officer and ensured that all personnel are prepared to handle the evolving challenges facing the modern fire service. Smith also supervised buildings and grounds and assisted with the development of a strategic plan to maintain the fleet and facilities.

Not only are the Quad Cities under a heat advisory, but severe storms are predicted for later this afternoon into the evening. Stay cool, stay hydrated and stay safe! 🥵💦