Tony Ikis is a River Grove police officer. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the River Grove Police Department has received a grant to help reduce distracted driving in the village. Ikis recently recorded his 1,600th driving under the influence arrest, according to the police department.
Q: Where did you grow up and go to school?
A: I grew up in River Grove. I went to East Leyden High School and Triton College.
Q: When did you know you wanted to be a police officer?
A: My dad was a part-time officer in River Grove. So, I’ve known since I was a kid.
Q: Tell me about your career as a police officer.
A: First, I was at the Triton College police department. Then, I went to Lyons Township briefly. I started with the River Grove Police Department in March of 1999. I also did a brief stint as a part-time officer in Broadview.
Q: April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. What will the River Grove Police Department be doing to help drivers stay safe behind the wheel?
A: We set up 36 total four-hour slots during the daytime with enforcement and 36 four-hour slots for the evening. The officers are looking for people who are texting, using their phones or talking on the phone. They’re also pulling people over for other traffic violations if they see them.
Q: What are people most distracted by in their cars?
A: A couple years ago, I would say talking on the phone. Now, I would say texting and using apps. That’s what we mostly see.
Q: How did you get into working with DUIs?
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A: I was always interested in it. In 2002, I was hit by my first drunk driver. They rear-ended my squad car. Then, my squad car hit the car I initially pulled over. I ended up having to have shoulder surgery because of that. My back has been hurt ever since.
Q: You’ve recently recorded your 1,600th DUI arrest.
A: Correct. I’ve gone out and utilized my training to find people who are under the influence. I have a good eye for finding drivers who are intoxicated and/or using drugs. I became the first drug recognition expert in the state. I went to Indiana for the training. I’ve concentrated a lot of my efforts on finding DUIs and drugs.
Q: How can people be safe when driving?
A: I would say just pay attention. If you’re paying attention to the road, you’ll be fine. Do not get behind the wheel impaired. I’ve given DUIs at all times of the day. Drunk driving doesn’t just happen at night.
Q: What do you like to do for fun?
A: I like to work out and hang out with my kids.