Curt Wiest 20200501_150546_web
Local News

20-year HPD veteran promoted to sergeant

While being promoted to sergeant, Homewood police officer Curt Wiest takes the oath of office administered by Village Clerk Marilyn Thomas. (Provided photo)

Longtime Homewood police officer Curt Wiest has been promoted to the rank of sergeant, after a 30-year career in law enforcement.

Many Homewood residents recognize Wiest as the officer who delivered them lessons at school through the DARE program. He started by helping out with the program at St. Joseph Catholic School, and then took on DARE duties full time.

“I wanted to do something different in the department instead of being on the beat every day,” Wiest said. “I like kids and I figured I could help keep some kids out of trouble.”

While being promoted to sergeant, Homewood police officer Curt Wiest takes the oath of office administered by Village Clerk Marilyn Thomas. (Provided photo)

Wiest ran the department’s DARE program for 12 years, in addition to performing his normal police work. For a while, he was also the Community Resource officer for Homewood schools.

He no longer works for the DARE program, but continues to lead the crime prevention unit, along with performing community relations and public speaking duties.

In his new role as sergeant, Wiest expects to step up his work as a liaison for the police department.

“It hasn’t changed yet, but the chief says he might add to it,” said Wiest, a Palos Heights resident.

Whether he’s talking to kids about bullying or community groups about crime prevention, Wiest said he enjoys being in roles where he can interact with residents. He said he always signs up for extra detail at community festivals and other events.

“I gravitate toward being in the community. I have fun doing it,” Wiest said. “I’ve been here for 20 years, I was an officer elsewhere for 10 years, and I still love what I do.”

Before coming to Homewood Police Department, Wiest worked as a police officer for the Chicago Housing Authority.

Though lately Wiest finds himself doing much more administrative work, he still goes out to make traffic stops. 

“The one thing you can do in this job is learn something new every day, whether from your co-workers, from someone on the street or an arrestant,” he said.

In June, Wiest celebrates 27 years of marriage to his wife, Amy, who is a product designer for gift items. They have two adult children, Hayden and Marley.

When asked to name some of his favorite Homewood establishments, Wiest said he couldn’t choose. He enjoys spending time in Homewood and working as a police officer in the community.

“I like my work. I know this town more than I know my own town. I have made a lot of friends, not only at the department, but also in the community,” Wiest said.

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