People, problem-solving drive O’Connor
Patrolman Michael O’Connor brings 22 years of law enforcement experience to the Belt’s police force.
While working in Forest Park, Illinois, he set up and ran crime prevention programs.
“I was given a lot of autonomy and ran with it,” O’Connor said.
In the Belt, he found an opportunity to serve a community in the context of supporting an industry vital to the United States.
“I can’t think of a better way to spend my time,” O’Connor said. “I like helping people and problem-solving. If I can get someone out of a bad situation or prevent them from getting into one, that’s what I want to do.”
He is presently learning the nuances of his role, but said he’s focused on safety and finding solutions.
O’Connor has worked in several industries, but was in part inspired to pursue law enforcement thanks to his grandfather, Eugene Winters, who helped lead Chicago’s Park District Police, rising to the rank of chief. O’Connor also is proud of his brother, Tom O’Connor, who is a prosecutor for Vermilion County.
Family drives O’Connor.
“I want to go home every night to my kids,” he said. “They are the most important part of my life.”
That perspective informs O’Connor’s dedication to protecting others.
Away from work, he enjoys woodworking and sailing Lake Michigan. He said both activities have a meditative quality for him and allow him to introspect.
Robinson focused on protecting community
Patrolman Joe Robinson served his native Berwyn for 27 years, advancing through its police department.
While he was proud to work as a patrolman and detective, his time as a sergeant allowed him to utilize his leadership skills; it became his favorite role, one he held 13 years.
He said being a sergeant saw him work with many people, each of whom he strived to support and ensure went home safely. Robinson knows there’s a similar dynamic at the Belt.
“It’s a friendly, welcoming and family-oriented place,” he said. “I’m excited to learn about the railroad and how it operates.”
Keeping the Belt community safe is Robinson’s main responsibility, and he believes that his training and experience will help him do that well.
“I’m a people person,” he said. “I care about people and want to help them succeed.”
Robinson and his wife, Vickie, have three children, all in college: Joey is on the baseball team at Elmhurst University, Lauren is enrolled in the nursing program at the University of Missouri, and Alyssa soon will be joining her in the same program. Vickie is an accountant who has built her own business from the ground up.
The family shares Robinson’s work ethic.
“I’ve been working since I was 14 years old,” he said, noting that he put himself through Southern Illinois University, where he studied criminal justice.
But the Robinsons play hard, too, enjoying their annual family getaway in Cancun.
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Call the Belt Police Department
6 a.m. to 6 p.m.: 312-543-8269
6 p.m. to 6 a.m.: 312-543-3658
Police Extra: 708-372-2002
