A Message from Mayor Shapiro

It is the time of year when we prepare our kids to return back to school. Many of them are coming back from camp with large duffels and smelly laundry. My wife and I have pictures of our kids on the first day of school. From the years where they would pose with a toothless smile, to the years where they held themselves with broader shoulders and wore high school colors, we look at those pictures with fond memories.

It is an exciting time for all of us. Whether it's grade school, high school or college, there's so much to look forward to as we approach the fall. Our harvest festival, which is always a terrific time, is coming up in less than a month.

But with the great excitement and anticipation of the fall, comes a renewed awareness of how careful we must be as we walk, bike and drive through our streets. During the summer we tragically lost the lives of three of our residents to accidents involving motor vehicles. Please be vigilant in watching for buses, children walking to school and bikers in our neighborhoods. To this effort, the Village has an active pedestrian safety campaign with banners, print articles, social media posts and enhanced enforcement. Between August 15 and September 31, the Deerfield Police Department is conducting extra enforcement in an effort to reduce traffic collisions involving pedestrians and bicyclists using funds from a State grant. Areas with high pedestrian/bicyclist traffic, such as downtown Deerfield, school zones, and high-crash zones will be targeted by Deerfield officers. 

We also must continue to be sensitive and aware of those who may be struggling with mental illness and need help. Whether it be our kids or adults, mental illness and some of the tragedies that follow, continues to be a keen concern that we should all be aware of. If you feel you need help, get it. If you feel another person needs help, encourage them to get it. The Village has a list of mental health and social service resources on its website.

Our community is strong because we look out for each other, support each other and we help each other. We did so during the height of the pandemic, and we will continue to do so in the future. 

Citizen’s Police Academy

The Deerfield Police Department will host a fall session of the Citizen's Police Academy. The Citizen’s Police Academy is an eight-week program designed to enhance communication between the police department and the community. Participants are instructed in a variety of law enforcement topics by officers who specialize in those areas. 

Subjects covered include:

• Patrol Duties
• DUI & Traffic Enforcement
• Criminal Investigations
• Hiring & Training New Officers
• Northern Illinois Police Alarm System (SWAT Team)
• And much more!

The Fall 2023 session will be held Wednesday evenings 7-9:30 p.m. from September 13 through November 8. Register today! 

The session will be limited to 10 participants to help facilitate discussions. The Academy is FREE to attend!

The Citizen’s Police Academy is open to anyone who is 18 years of age or older and lives or works in Deerfield. A background check is completed on all applicants. The Deerfield Police Department reserves the right to deny enrollment for any reason.

For questions please contact Sergeant Brad Tokarz at btokarz@deerfield.il.us.

Register for Harvest Fest Bags Tournament

Grab a buddy and sign up now for the Deerfield Harvest Fest Bags Tournament! Sponsored by Parkway Bank, this free tournament has remained a highlight of Harvest Fest for seven years. Victors not only secure the coveted bragging rights but also lay claim to a truly unique trophy (pictured).

As you engage in gameplay, enjoy live tunes from West End 40 and 7th Heaven with your neighbors and visit a diverse selection of seven popular food vendors and an assortment of beer and wine available for purchase.

Please note that participants in the Bags Tournament must be aged 16 years or older. Register now.