Kankakee, IL – Officer Robert Huebner and Officer Shane McWhorter started with the Kankakee Police Department this week after they recently graduated from the Police Training Institute in Champaign, Illinois last week.
Robert Huebner is from Aurora, Illinois and graduated from Waubonsie High School where he hopes to follow in the footsteps of someone who made an impact in his life.
“I looked up to my student resource officer in high school and wanted to be a role model, as well as, serve a community with great people,” said officer Huebner. Officer Huebner received his Associate degree in construction management from the College of DuPage. He has two children with his fiancé.
“They’re happy for me. It’s nice to have a fresh start from growing up in Aurora. I hope to become an officer who someone can go to and I’m excited to get to know the community,” said officer Huebner. Officer Huebner is currently assigned to day shift.
Shane McWhorter grew up in Cullom, Illinois, but has been living in the community for more than a few years now, where he worked as a paramedic for 8 years for Riverside.
“This opportunity will allow me to form longer bonds and build relationships within the community, compared to responding to a crisis for just a short period of time,” said Officer McWhorter.
McWhorter graduated from Tri Point High School and received his Associate degree of Applied Science in Paramedic Medicine from Kankakee Community College. Officer McWhorter has a fiancé who works as a nurse in Riverside’s emergency room, and the two have three children together. Officer McWhorter hopes to become more than just a familiar face in his new position.
“Being a face that people can actually trust is important to me and I’m looking forward to getting to know Kankakee residents,” said Officer McWhorter. McWhorter is currently assigned to the midnight shift.
“I am very happy to have these two officers join our team who not only understand the importance of relationship building but see it as a critical role in policing,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.
