Chicago Area Police Sergeant Serves With Excellence, Integrity
Constantino "Dino" Heckermann works with the Streamwood Police Department. He was sworn in as a police officer in 1991 and has proudly served since as a police patrol sergeant. Dino attended Judson University earning a managerial leadership Bachelor of Science degree and attended National Louis University, earning a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership. Dino has served as an adjunct professor at Judson University Adult Professional Program School of Leadership and Business since 2003, instructing law enforcement professionals in studies of community oriented policing, juvenile delinquency, police ethics, and morality. Dino is a juvenile officer at heart with Spanish bilingual skills, an advocate for community policing and authentic police chaplaincy towards making a positive difference in people's lives.
What are the responsibilities of your current role?
"Currently, as a day watch patrol sergeant, my primary responsibility is servant leading the officers in my command, with excellence and integrity in promoting positive police professional service for the citizenry and to safely end each shift. Through the department's neighborhood policing initiative, responsibly serve the community in several neighborhoods, collaborating with citizen groups, school administrators, faculty, and allied resources, with purpose and integrity, towards promoting an ethical and efficient work environment among subordinates while building positive relationships between the police agency and community."
What is your favorite part of your daily duties?
"It's a real honor to work with the many talented, professional and dedicated officers of the Streamwood Police Department and be a part of such a noble profession serving the community I grew up. For the past 24 years, it's always been a favorite overcoming the challenge of the day, whether it's applying a problem solving strategy, or serving justice to those who are unable to defend themselves with the apprehension of offender(s)."
Do you feel your education prepared you for your current role?
"Education is paramount and being a life learner is necessary. It is also as critical to maintain a teachable spirit in an industry with constant law updates. Education goes beyond the classroom and onto the black top, having a high emotional quotient is probably in some situations more important than having a high intellectual quotient."
Do you have any advice for people who desire to pursue a similar career?
"I encourage students, or people aspiring to purse a law enforcement career to go into this profession with eyes wide open, seek a mentor for your professional, personal and spiritual leadership development, pursue a college education that aligns with your strengths and passion. There are many officers with diverse educational degrees, it does not have to be a degree in law enforcement. Visit your local police agency, if allowed request to ride along with an officer. Do not overlook those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Finally, be strong, be courageous, be truthful, bad company corrupts good character."
Michelle Guilbeau is a writer, reviewer, teacher and business owner living in Chicago, Illinois. She also has experience in school administration, literacy coaching and is proud founder of CraftKitsForKids.com and MichelleGuilbeau.com Michelle enjoys sharing her knowledge of Chicago, food, travel, education and parenting issues with her readers. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
