After 32 years in public safety for a small village, Ron Price understands the effect personal, white-glove service can have on residents.
“We know the residents by first name. We know the names of their children and, lots of times, we know their pets,” said Price, who has been Bannockburn’s police chief for the past 10 years.
Aside from chief, Price has worked as a patrol officer and lieutenant for the Bannockburn Police Department during the past three decades. His entire career in law enforcement spans 41 years and in that time, Price has prided himself on getting to know residents personally, according to people who have worked with him in Bannockburn.
“He goes over and above with personal service,” said Village President Frank “Bud” Rothing. “That’s white-glove service. It’s a hands-on department and that’s the kind of leadership he shows.”
On July 1, Price is set to retire as police chief with plans to spend more time traveling with his wife as they expect the birth of their first grandchild in New England.
Village officials, meanwhile, are nearing the end of their search for a new chief, said Village Manager Maria Lasday. She said a new chief should be in place before July 1.
From his time as the DARE officer at Bannockburn Elementary School to the numerous incidents of helping people in times of need, Price said he approached his work with a personal touch in mind.
He recently recalled an incident in 2009, when a woman suffered life-threatening injuries following a home invasion.
“We didn’t know if she was going to make it,” Price said. “I rode in the ambulance with her to the hospital. Helping her was the number one thing.”
A personal approach to law enforcement ultimately helps build trust between residents and their police department, he said.
Because Bannockburn is a small village, police officers also have to take on a variety of tasks that typically would be handled by public works departments in larger communities, he said.
Since Bannockburn doesn’t have a public works department, officers sometimes have to help remove snow and assist with flood control — opportunities that provide police with more outlets to work with residents.
Chicago Tribune Sports
“Chief Price has been a friend, mentor, leader and a key member of the Bannockburn team,” Lasday said. “He always brings energy, a smile and a high level of professionalism to work every day.”
Born in Decatur, Price grew up in Mundelein, graduated from Mundelein High School and attended College of Lake County. When he turned 21, Price said, he started the testing to work at police departments.
In 1978, Price began his career at the Wauconda Police Department in central Lake County where he still resides. Nine years later, he took a job in Bannockburn after learning about the opening from colleagues who worked there.
“That’s when we became a full-time department,” Price said. “Before that, we did not have 24/7 service. The Lake County Sheriff did two shifts for us. I’ve loved it here. This is my Bannockburn family.”
Upon retirement, Price said he plans to spend more time on his motorcycle with his wife as they head to New England and other places around the country. She is a valuable partner when they travel on two wheels, he said.
“She can catch things I don’t see,” Price said. “That second set of eyes really helps.”
Steve Sadin is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.