On April 27 at 11 a.m., over 100 Forest Park staff members and residents gathered for the honorary street naming of Joseph Byrnes Way at the corner of Harvard Street and Thomas Avenue.
Longtime Forest Parker Byrnes served as a Forest Park police officer before retiring as the deputy chief. He also served a six-year term on the Park District of Forest Park Board of Commissioners and two terms as a village commissioner. He is a long-time volunteer for many organizations, such as the Forest Park Kiwanis Club and Fisher House at Hines VA Hospital.
Byrnes’ impact on Forest Park is why Village Administrator Rachell Entler said they’re naming a street after him.
Entler said the mayor decides if a street will be named after someone based on whether they have a lasting effect on the village. Mayor Rory Hoskins was present at the street naming ceremony, along with former Mayor Anthony Calderone, all four commissioners, and members of Byrne’s family.
Several people spoke about Byrnes, mentioning his loyalty, sense of humor and kind heart.