Kankakee, IL – The city of Kankakee welcomed two, new police officers during this week’s city council meeting. Patrolman Jonathan Golden and Patrolman Mario Martinez proudly stood beside Mayor Chasity Wells-Armstrong as Kankakee Police Chief, Frank Kosman, introduced them before the council.
Officer Jonathan Golden is a Kankakee native and the son of Kankakee’s Detective Morgen Golden.
“I grew up in Kankakee on the west side, walking to Dairy Queen and Carlos Restaurant. I am excited to build the connections like my mother did and I am hoping to follow in her footsteps to continue to build her legacy,” said officer Jonathan Golden.
Officer Golden graduated from Bishop McNamara High School and obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Illinois State University. Officer Golden earned the top marksmanship award after he graduated from police basic training from the Illinois state Police Academy. Golden is also a United States Army veteran.
“I have known Jonathan Golden almost his whole life. I was excited to learn that he was interested in becoming a police officer with the City of Kankakee. I know that he will be an asset to the Department,” said Deputy Chief Willie Hunt.
Officer Mario Martinez was recruited by another officer in the department and said he is excited to be a part of the City of Kankakee. Martinez said he received a warm welcome.
“I’m from Milford, Illinois and I grew up in a pretty, small community. The community has embraced me a lot. I feel really comfortable and the transition was smooth. I look forward to building relationships in the community and I want them to feel comfortable talking to me. The goal is community policing,” said officer Mario Martinez.
“I am very pleased to have officers Golden and Martinez join our police department. Diversifying the department is a goal of this administration as it fosters a level of comfort and trust within our community,” said Mayor Chasity Wells-Armstrong.
Martinez graduated from police basic training from the Police Training Institute at University of Illinois. Martinez also secured his Associate degree from Danville Area Community College and is a lateral transfer from the University of Illinois Police Department.
“After speaking with Mario, I was impressed with his demeanor and his personality. I learned he is a hard worker and just wanted to opportunity to serve,” said Deputy Chief Willie Hunt.
Both officers have been assigned to the field training program.
“Officers Martinez and Golden are both progressing well through the field training program where their skills are tested and refined. We expect them to quickly become important assets for the police department and for the community at large,” said chief Frank Kosman.
Kankakee’s field training program runs for sixty days.
