When Daysi Riglos was sworn in as the Forest Park Police Department’s newest officer, she became the third woman to join the department in the past year.
Of the 38 members of the department, including Chief Tom Aftanas, there now are five female officers, including Laura O’Donnell, who joined the department in August, and Justine Constantino, who joined in December.
Riglos, 27, was sworn in during Monday’s village council meeting by Mayor Anthony Calderone.
A member of the Illinois Army National Guard for six years, she lives in Franklin Park with her husband and twin daughters. She earned an associate in liberal arts degree from Wright College.
“I’ve always been interested in enforcing the law,” she said. “It’s been a passion for me. That’s why I joined the military.”
The native of Ecuador, who is fluent in Spanish, said she waited until she had received her degree before taking the eligibility test.
She said the Forest Park test was the first she took.
“It’s worked out well,” she added.
Riglos will start the Chicago Police Training Academy May 7. Upon completion of the 3½-month training program, she will undergo three months of field training.
She replaces Sgt. Eric Bell, who has been unable to work since suffering a “significant” shoulder injury while on duty in October 2016, and filed for duty disability last year.
