Tune in June 25 to watch notable Napervillian Mayor Pradel

NCTV17 to air Mayor Pradel Naperville Notables episode at 8PM on Wednesday, June 25

Best known as Officer Friendly to a generation of Napervillians, Arthur George Pradel’s playful moniker has become his motto of goodwill.  From patriot and marine, to police officer and mentor, to mayor and ambassador, and always husband and father, Pradel embraced every role.

2015 will mark his twentieth year as Mayor of the City of Naperville.  George’s enthusiastic personality is known far and wide, reaching beyond the city’s borders.

In this month’s edition of Naperville Notables, NCTV17’s Executive Director Liz Spencer sits down with Pradel to discuss his life and journey to become the city’s longest serving mayor.

During the hour-long interview, Pradel credits his parents for instilling a love of service, joining the United States Marine Corps in 1956 and then the Naperville Police Department in 1966.  It was there he found his true calling, volunteering to work overnights so he could go into the schools during the day and educate children about the role the police play in their lives and the community.  Thus, Officer Friendly was born.

In 1976, Pradel took the idea of a children’s safety program on the road, joining forces with the Naperville Junior Women’s Club to form Safety Town, which educates more than 1,500 kids about fire, water, and traffic safety each summer.

Approached by community leaders and close friends, Pradel agreed to toss his hat into the 1995 Mayor’s race.  After winning the primary by four votes, he easily won the general election, and Officer Friendly became Mayor Friendly.

In Naperville Notables, learn how Pradel’s leadership style has made Naperville one of the best places to live, work, and play.

Throughout the years, his energy and exuberance for our community seems to never end, and that is due to the love and support of his wife Pat and three children, George, Gary, and Carol. This year he and Pat will be celebrating their 54th wedding anniversary.

Learn more about Pradel and his incredible mark on the city he loves and has called home for his entire life in Naperville Notables on Wednesday, June 25 at 8PM.  For more airtimes, visit NCTV17.com.