Three New Officers Sworn in to PSC Police and Campus Safety Department

Prairie State College (PSC) welcomed three new police officers to the Police and Campus Safety Department during a recent swearing in ceremony held at the college.

            The three new officers: Robert Pinnow, a retired officer from the Chicago Heights Police Department; Daniel Vaci, retired head of security at Jewel and part-time police officer with the South Chicago Heights Police Department; and Felix Simpkins, a retired officer from the Illinois State Police Department and adjunct professor of criminal justice at PSC, join a team of five other officers already protecting the college students, faculty, and staff.  Led by Chief John P. Murphy, Sr., chief of police and campus safety, the department also consists of Steve Winding, a four year veteran of PSC Police Department; James O’Banner, a retired officer from the Cook County Sheriff’s Police; Sgt. Al Thompson, a retired Sergeant from the Cook County Sheriff’s Police; and Sgt. Sam Pavesich, a retired Sergeant from the Chicago Heights Police Department.

            Murphy says the department is committed to hiring experienced police officers who have already graduated from an Illinois police academy. “We want our officers ready for any and all situations that might arise on campus,” he said.

            PSC President Terri L. Winfree, who administered the oath, said “it is an honor to swear in three new police officers to the force. I would like to officially welcome them to the PSC family.”