The Village of Manteno honored Lt. Brian Lockwood during Monday night’s Village Board meeting for 25 years of service in the Manteno community.
“Twenty-five years is a long time in any job, it feels like more and more people hop around these days, especially in law enforcement and what’s going on today.” Manteno Police Chief Alan Swinford said during Monday night’s presentation.
“Well, I really appreciate the recognition,” Lt. Lockwood told the Village Board Monday. “I’ve had a wonderful career so far, and I’ve got a few years left I believe. There have been a lot of ups and downs in my career here in Manteno and I’ve seen a lot of growth. That’s what I wanted to do. I wanted to stick somewhere where I could grow with the Department and the community.”
Lockwood’s reach at Manteno PD has spanned from patrol and investigations to D.A.R.E. Lockwood was also a founding member of the countywide SWAT Team and now is a member of the Administration.
“Most important to me, he sets an example with his attitude,” Chief Swinford said. “He shows that somebody with 25 years on the job can still come in with a positive attitude every day. I don’t know that I’ve ever sensed he’s come in with a bad attitude or he’s having a bad day. I’m sure he has, but he never lets on.”
Lockwood said during Monday’s presentation can still recall when Manteno was a very different community.
“I can remember when I first started the sign entering Manteno said, “Welcome to Manteno, 3200” and now we’re at 9400, or so. I’m saying probably well over 10,000 I would guess,” Lt. Lockwood said recalling his early days with Manteno PD. “That whole area, McDonald’s and Manteno Bank and Jimmy Johns that was a big field! There use to be a little sign there that would say “Welcome to Manteno” and it had a little map, and I use to hide up in that little area to run radar. That’s where I got all my first speeding tickets. A lot has changed.”
Lockwood said the community appreciation in Manteno is apparent every day.
“There’s not a day that goes by that, even though there is a lot of civil unrest going on right now and a lot of negativity with the police, you come into our Department, and you’re going to see a table filled with cookies and sandwiches and snacks. This community really appreciates us, and we appreciate them.” Lockwood said.
Mayor Tim Nugent vouched for the generous spread at the Manteno Police Department and overall community support for the Village officers.
“Over the course of the last 60-90 days with all the craziness that’s been going on I’ve heard there have been all kinds of businesses that have brought lunches and dinners and pizzas and everything else up to the Police Department to show their appreciation and that’s great,” Mayor Nugent said Monday night. “We’re glad that businesses and members of the community work so well with the Police Department.”
“I look forward to serving the community for a few more years, but I wanted to say thank you,” Lockwood said towards the end of the ceremony Monday.
