Hinsdale Police Chief Brad Bloom has been named the Illinois State Crime Commission’s Police Chief of the Year for 2013.
According to Family Shelter Executive Director Karen Kuchar, Bloom has been a member of the Family Shelter Board of Directors since 2010, and he recently took over as its board president of the nonprofit organization. Kuchar extended her enthusiasm for Bloom’s recognition.
“We’re thrilled that Brad’s hard work, both for Family Shelter, and for all the citizens of our community, has been recognized,” said Kuchar. “He is very committed to our cause — serving individuals affected by domestic violence — and has been one of the driving forces on our board of directors. I can’t imagine an individual more deserving of this honor.”
In DuPage County, law enforcement works hand-in-hand with Family Shelter Service. For each domestic violence incident reported to law enforcement, police officers make a call to Family Shelter for follow-up by one of the organization’s counselors with the affected individuals.
“I have interacted with Family Shelter professionally and I believe in their mission and know that there is a strong need for services,” noted Bloom. “Domestic abuse is something that happens in every community in DuPage — it’s not just limited to certain individuals or communities. It can happen anywhere, anytime.”
A 27-year veteran of the Hinsdale Police Department, Bloom has served as Chief of Police since 2002. Bloom is an adjunct instructor for the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command and is past president of the DuPage County Chiefs of Police Association where he currently serves on the Executive Board.
Family Shelter Service serves individuals affected by domestic abuse through shelter, trauma-informed counseling, advocacy and prevention programs.
For more information about all the services, visit www.familyshelterservice.org.
Editor’s Note: Family Shelter Service is supported financially, in part, by Second Chance Resale Shops located at 1512 N Naper Blvd. at Tower Crossings in Naperville. Another fundraiser is the Be a Hero for Hope 10K/5K Run-Walk, slated for 8:30AM Sun., Oct. 27, 2013, at Downers Grove North High School.
