Village officials from Brookfield joined representatives from other municipalities and organizations on February 19 at the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, where U.S. Representative Jesus “Chuy” Garcia announced $13.6 million in direct federal funding for projects across Illinois’ 4th Congressional District.
Brookfield received $623,000 to upgrade its police communications and safety infrastructure. The funding will be used to improve coordination, reliability, and training for officers serving the village.
The Brookfield Police Department Safety Technology Project will involve replacing outdated portable radios with modern equipment, installing more cameras to support investigations and crime prevention, purchasing a thermal-equipped drone camera, and implementing an officer training simulator.
“This Safety Technology Project represents a major step forward in how we serve and protect our community,” said Brookfield Police Chief Michael Kuruvilla. “By modernizing critical tools and investing in advanced technology and training, we’re strengthening our ability to prevent crime, support investigations, and ensure our Officers are prepared for the challenges they may face.”
Project details include updating the department’s current radio inventory with new portable radios that meet today’s public safety standards. This is the largest portion of the grant award. Additional camera systems will be installed in strategic locations to help deter crime and assist with follow-up investigations.
The department will also purchase a thermal-equipped drone intended to improve search-and-rescue operations as well as responses to critical incidents. According to officials, this tool is already used almost weekly by police operations.
A Virtual Reality training simulator will be implemented as part of the project. The simulator offers immersive scenario-based training designed to enhance tactical decision-making skills, de-escalation techniques, officer preparedness, and compliance with Illinois’ mandated scenario-based training requirements.
At the event on February 19 were Deputy Police Chief James Mihalik, Assistant Village Manager Stevie Ferrari, Police Chief Michael Kuruvilla, Village President Michael Garvey, along with Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia who presented the check for $623,000.
Brookfield operates as a municipal local government focused on providing civic administration services such as public works and public safety through its police department (official website). The village coordinates among departments like Public Works and Code Enforcement to supply municipal services (official website). Residents can access services including utility billing and permitting at Village Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue (official website).
