West Cook News

The Town of Cicero recently held a board meeting where the Fire Department announced the promotions of three firefighters, and several police officers were honored for their bravery. Lieutenant Bradley Erickson has been promoted to Assistant Fire Chief, Engineer Joshua Novinger has been promoted to Lieutenant, and Firefighter Jonathan Marcolioni has been promoted to Engineer.

Fire Chief Jeff Penzkofer, shortly after swearing in the firefighters to their new ranks, expressed his confidence in the promoted individuals, saying, "I have no doubt in my mind that these three individuals, it’s a big day for them to get promoted to a higher rank. And I have no doubt that they’ll be protecting the town of Cicero and the community for years to come. Thank you everybody."

Cicero Town President Larry Dominick also praised the firefighters and highlighted the importance of their work in the community. "We do have a best Fire Department. That’s why I gave you a ten-year contract. Now I have to work on the Police contract. Congratulations. This is well deserved. Our Cicero Firefighters and Cicero Police are the most important people to our community. And I want to thank you for all the hard work you do, and the way you are so brave. As an ex-policeman, I know what it takes. So thank you for being here for the town and God bless all these."

During the same meeting, Police Chief Thomas Boyle and First Deputy Luis Gutierrez announced awards for three police officers. Detective Edgar Alba is set to receive the "Investigator of the Year" award from the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. Chief Boyle said, "This award for Detective Edgar Alba is for ‘Investigator of the Year’ and it will be awarded to Detective Alba who is with our Detective Bureau," and will be presented on April 25.

First Deputy Gutierrez noted the significance of Alba's award, stating, "Only one person in the entire state that gets that award, and for the first time it is being presented to a detective from the Town of Cicero."

Additionally, Officers Luis Martinez and Reynol Ramos will be honored with the "100 Club Valor Award" and the "Illinois Law Enforcement Medal of Honor" on May 29 for their bravery. Martinez was injured in an incident on December 7, 2024, at 31st and 61st Avenues, following a confrontation with gang members. Gutierrez described the events leading up to the recognition, recounting how the officers were shot at during a patrol and quickly identified the suspect, who was arrested soon after.

The suspect involved in the shooting of Martinez has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, according to Gutierrez, who also mentioned Officer Martinez is still recuperating from his injuries.