Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers become Chicago's finest

CHICAGO (04/03/2015)(readMedia)-- Four Illinois National Guard Soldiers were among the 107 recruits to graduate from the Chicago Police Department's Academy March 30 at Chicago's Navy Pier Grand Ballroom. The four Citizen-Soldiers were among eight other active military members to become Chicago police officers.

Sgt. Diana Varga of Chicago, a member of Company F, Joint Forces Headquarters' Recruit Sustainment Program in Crestwood, Illinois, said that she hopes to make a difference as a Chicago Police officer.

"I think whenever someone becomes a Soldier or a police officer they have a desire deep in their hearts to help people," Varga said.

Varga was joined by Staff Sgt. James Kinsey of Crete, Illinois, a medic with Joint Forces Headquarters Medical Detachment in Springfield, Illinois; Spc. Matthew Adams of Chicago, a driver with Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery Regiment in Crestwood, Illinois; and Spc. Johnathon Martinez of Chicago, an allied trades specialist with the 3625th Maintenance Company in North Riverside, Illinois.

Chicago Police Superintendant Gary McCarthy and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel addressed the graduates during the ceremony, acknowledging their commitment and sacrifice to serve in a very diverse and challenging community. Emanuel told the new officers policing in Chicago was a philosophy of partnership.

"In Chicago, community policing isn't an initiative, it's a philosophy and these brave men and women will be the newest partners with residents and community leaders as we work together to ensure the safety of our city," said Emanuel.

Graduating from the rigorous five-month, 1,000 hour academy is merely the first step. Graduates must complete a field-training program in addition to 13 months of field experience before they are full-fledged Chicago police officers.

Cutline 1: Police recruits salute during the playing of the National Anthem at the Chicago Police Department recruit graduation ceremony at Chicago's Navy Pier Grand Ballroom March 30. Four Illinois National Guard Soldiers were among the 107 recruits that graduated, dedicating themselves to serving the community and the city of Chicago. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Jason Dorsey, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)

Cutline 2: Sgt. Diana Varga, of Chicago, a member with Foxtrot Company, Joint Forces Headquarters' Recruit Sustainment Program in Crestwood, stands among the graduating class of Chicago Police recruits March 30. Varga is one of four Illinois National Guard Soldiers among the 107 recruits that graduated, dedicating themselves to serving the community and the city of Chicago. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Jason Dorsey, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)

Cutline 3: The Chicago Police Department's honor guard posts the national, city, and police colors at the Chicago Police Department recruit graduation ceremony March 30. Four Illinois National Guard Soldiers were among the 107 recruits that graduated, dedicating themselves to serving the community and the city of Chicago. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Jason Dorsey, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)

Cutline 4: Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel addresses Chicago Police graduates on their professionalism and commitment to duty during a graduation ceremony at Chicago's Navy Pier Grand Ballroom March 30. Four Illinois National Guard Soldiers were among the 107 recruits that graduated, dedicating themselves to serving the community and the city of Chicago. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Jason Dorsey, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)