The following list of programs features upcoming presentations open to the public that address public safety during months recognizing Fire Prevention and Crime Prevention. Thanks to all first responders for helping to keep the community safe. Thanks also to all members of the military, past and present, for honorably serving to protect
SEPT. 26 – IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT & LOCAL SCHOOLS / Click here for public safety message from leaders in the cities of Aurora and Naperville, all of whom take their responsibilities very seriously. As part of this obligation, they feel the need once again to publicly address the topic of threats against local school communities.
SEPT. 26 – CELEBRATE FIRST 125 YEARS OF VFW / Veterans and friends will gather in the Canteen at the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 to begin commemorating the first 125 years of Veterans of Foreign Wars. With more than 1.4 million VFW and Auxiliary members, they serve nearly 6,000 Posts worldwide. The VFW and its Auxiliary are known for veterans’ service, legislative advocacy as well as military and community service programs. Note also that every day is a time to appreciate men and women who serve military forces needed to deter war and ensure our nation’s security.
6-8PM SEPT. 26 – WHAT’S HAPPENING IN DUPAGE COUNTY? / State’s Attorney Robert Berlin will outline the role and operations of his office, including an overview of current trends, changes and challenges of the SafeT Act. Presentation set to begin at 6PM Thurs., Sept. 26, in Council Chambers at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street. Public is encouraged to attend another in the series hosted by Patty Gustin, DuPage County Board Member for District 5, to provide insights into county operations with an opportunity for Q&A.
10AM SEPT. 28 – PUBLIC SAFETY OPEN HOUSE / The community is welcome and encouraged to attend the annual family-friendly Public Safety Open House from 10AM to 2PM Sat., Sept. 28, at the Naperville Public Safety Center, Aurora Avenue at River Road. Parking is available at the church across River Road. CAPS volunteers, Crime Stoppers volunteers and other public safety initiatives with many kid-friendly giveaways will be among the table top exhibitors that day. Find out more about this year’s event via Soraya McLaughlin’s recent October 2024 column and Prepare, Practice and Prevent. Free of charge.
1PM OCT. 2 – CHAT WITH THE CHIEF / Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres invites the community to chat with him and members of his senior staff over coffee from 1 to 3PM Wed., Oct. 2, on National Coffee with A Cop Day. This informal meet-and-greet known as “Chat with the Chief” will be held at the Starbucks located at 1532 Aurora Ave., west of the Naperville Public Safety Center. Free of charge.
5:30PM OCT. 2 / CAPS PRESENTS COMMUNITY ADVOCATE RESPONSE TEAM / Citizens Appreciate Public Safety (CAPS) will host a program about CART (Community Advocate Response Team) from 5:30 to 6:30PM Wed., Oct. 2, 2024, in the lunchroom at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street. The presentation by Naperville Fire Chief Mark Puknaitis and Lieutenant Bill Kostelny aims to enlighten the community how the new CART program is designed to assist Naperville residents with non-emergency events. Free of charge.
9-11AM OCT. 9 / COMMUNITY SENIOR HEALTH FAIR AT YMCA / The Fry Family YMCA, 2121 95th Street, will host a Community Senior Health Fair from 9AM to 11AM on Wed., Oct. 9. The event is free and open to all senior members of the community and caregivers. Swimming for attendees will be available from 11AM to 1PM. Other health programs, safety services, activities and community partners will be presented. For more information, call (630) 904-9595 or visit www.fryfamilyymca.org.
6-8PM OCT. 10 – WHAT’S HAPPENING IN DUPAGE COUNTY? / Coroner Richard Jorgensen will present statistics on drug-related issues, including crisis surrounding fentanyl, entry level drugs, and substance prevention efforts. The presentation set to begin at 6PM Thurs., Oct. 10, in Council Chambers at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street. Public is encouraged to attend another in the series hosted by Patty Gustin, DuPage County Board Member for District 5, to provide insights into county operations with an opportunity for Q&A. Free of charge.
6PM OCT. 17 – CITIZENS APPRECIATE PUBLIC SAFETY (CAPS) DINNER / Naperville Citizens Appreciate Public Safety (CAPS) is a volunteer-led organization dedicated to recognizing and honoring the outstanding service of Naperville’s police officers in May and firefighters in October. During Fire Prevention Month on October 17, CAPS will host its annual awards ceremonies to highlight the bravery, dedication and commitment of the city’s first responders at Meson Sabika, also celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Naperville Fire Department.
The event will feature a display of fire vehicles at 6PM, followed by dinner and awards presentation at 6:30PM, recognizing firefighters who have gone above and beyond in their service to the community. The community is welcome. Tickets are $45 each. For reservations, visit www.napervillecaps.com.
6-8PM OCT. 24 – WHAT’S HAPPENING IN DUPAGE COUNTY? / Sheriff James Mendrick will share insights into his prison rehabilitation program (JUST), addressing service challenges and crime trends within the county. Presentation set to begin at 6PM Thurs., Oct. 24, in Council Chambers at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street. Public is encouraged to attend another in the series hosted by Patty Gustin, DuPage County Board Member for District 5, to provide insights into county operations with an opportunity for Q&A. This series of programs has aimed to educate residents on the various facets of county governance and public safety. Free of charge.
Photos through the years are from the annual family-friendly and educational Naperville Public Safety Open Houses, held rain or shine. Happy first 150 years of service and innovation to the Naperville Fire Department!
