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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CELEBRATING THE CAREER AND HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF THERESA ODUM
WHEREAS, on February 17, 1991, Theresa Odum was sworn in as a Patrol Officer for the Chicago Police Department and over the next 26 years moved up the ranks from Patrol Officer to Sergeant; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, Theresa Odum worked as a State’s Attorney Investigator, assigned to Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s Security Detail; and
WHEREAS, in 2019, Theresa Odum worked as Chief of the Security Detail for Toni Preckwinkle, President of Cook County Board of Commissioners and the Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners; and
WHEREAS, in 2020, Theresa Odum also became Interim Chief of Police of the Forest Preserves of Cook County Department of Law Enforcement, and in 2021 was appointed to the position of Chief of Police; and
WHEREAS, as Chief of Police, Theresa Odum was responsible for a staff of over 120 members of all ranks for sworn and civilian employees, including President Preckwinkle’s Security Detail; and
WHEREAS, Chief Odum led years-long effort to implement initiatives to move the department closer to becoming a Model Forest Preserves Police Agency. These initiatives included, but were not limited to, updated Forest Preserves Police policies and procedures, and mandatory training. Under Chief Odum’s leadership, the department placed renewed emphasis on policy development, data-driven decision-making, transparency, and the organizational structures necessary to support best practices; and
WHEREAS, Chief Odum was instrumental in modernizing departmental resources and advancing community-focused initiatives. She led efforts to acquire unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), new ATVs, UTVs, bicycles, and police vehicles, significantly enhancing operational capabilities. Additionally, she initiated the implementation of a records management system (RMS) to improve efficiency and data management; and
WHEREAS, beyond equipment and technology, Chief Odum championed officer wellness by establishing a Peer Support Program to promote mental health awareness and coordinating debriefings following traumatic incidents. She also fostered collaboration with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office to implement the Treatment Response Team (TRT), addressing mental health needs within the preserves, and supported outreach efforts such as providing care packages for unhoused individuals; and
WHEREAS, throughout her tenure, Chief Odum helped build a culture of trust between the Forest Preserves Police, internal employees and patrons visiting the preserves. In an annual survey conducted by Penn & Associates, visitors to the preserves are asked to rate police based on their knowledge, professionalism, and whether they are easy to approach, helpful and friendly. Customers consistently give very positive ratings to the Forest Preserves Police; and
WHEREAS, consistent with the Forest Preserves’ mission to protect natural resources, Chief Odum supported the unique role of Forest Preserves police to safeguard nature, wildlife, habitats, and sensitive ecological areas. Her leadership supported the department’s unique role as both a public-safety agency and a steward of the Forest Preserves’ natural landscapes; and
WHEREAS, after thirty-five (35) years of honorable public service, on April 30, 2026, Theresa Odum will retire as the Chief of Police for the Forest Preserves of Cook County; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that President Toni Preckwinkle, along with the members of the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners, and on behalf of all citizens of Cook County, do hereby thank Theresa Odum on a long career of public service and thank her for her many contributions to the Forest Preserves of Cook County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be tendered to Theresa Odum in recognition of her career, contributions to the Forest Preserves of Cook County and her commitment to public service.
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