Shorewood police benefit from dance

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Updated: March 13, 2012 8:14AM

JOLIET — Call it a safety dance.

The public can dance if they want to at the 18th annual Shorewood COPS Fundraising Dance.

Sponsored by Community Organization for the Police of Shorewood (COPS), the dance will from 8 p.m. to midnight Feb. 25 at the Elks Lodge banquet facilities on the southeast frontage road at Route 52 and Interstate 55.

Ilene Stalnaker, COPS president, said the dance lets residents have a great time while supporting the police department.

There will be live music featuring the Take 3 Band, raffles, door prizes and light hors d’oeuvres.

The police officer of the year also will be announced.

Tickets cost $5 per person and can be purchased from COPS members, the Shorewood Police Department and at the door.

Shorewood police answered thousands of calls last year, many of them life- or property-threatening situations.

COPS was established by residents to provide moral support and additional funding for training and equipment beyond that provided by taxpayers.

COPS sponsors and assists with community projects and fundraising activities that benefit the Shorewood Police Department.

Recently, COPS set up the Shorewood Police Benevolent Fund, which will help the family of officers killed in the line of duty.

Also, the organization has purchased a light-duty, covered trailer to help the department moved necessary equipment and work in various parts of the community.