IVVC - Indian Valley Vocational Center - Law Enforcement

05/23/2026

Matilda Simon from Hinckley-Big Rock is preparing to take on an incredible challenge as she leaves in June for National Guard Basic Training. After completing her junior year, Matilda will spend her summer serving and training before returning for her senior year in early September.

We are incredibly proud of her commitment, courage, and willingness to serve our country. She represents the very best of our program and her community.

Please join me in thanking Matilda for her service and wishing her strength and success as she begins this journey. She will be in our thoughts and prayers, and we look forward to welcoming her back for her senior year.

05/20/2026

On April 30, our Law Enforcement, EMS, and Fire Science students wrapped up the year with our annual Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) simulation at Indian Valley Vocational Center.

This capstone event brings all three programs together and gives students the chance to put into practice the skills they’ve learned all year—scene safety, communication, triage, patient care, and incident management. They have to communicate clearly, problem-solve under pressure, and work as one unified team to work through a fast-moving, complex scenario.

Our students did an outstanding job. We are proud of how professionally they performed and how well they supported one another throughout the exercise. Watching them grow into confident future public safety professionals is one of the best parts of what we do.

Great work, IVVC Law Enforcement, EMS, and Fire Science!

Always grateful for the magic behind our photos 📸 Huge shoutout to the insanely talented .jpg for capturing our best moments! Go check out her amazing work on Instagram—she donates every shot to support our program.

05/19/2026

Last year they got a small taste of second-hand OC exposure—some coughing, runny noses, and burning eyes.

This year, OC instructor Bob Stewart made their wish a reality. Several AM and PM students volunteered, got parent permission, and stepped up to be sprayed. After being hit with OC, they had to push through a short course of hand strikes, elbow strikes, knee strikes, and then successfully handcuff a “suspect.” From there, they moved straight over to our EMS students, who jumped in to help wash off the OC and care for them while they recovered.

Everyone survived, learned a lot about the realities of this tool, and a few even said they’d do it again. Proud of their courage, teamwork, and the partnership between our Law Enforcement and EMS programs!

📸 IG: .jpg

05/18/2026

Our final senior farewell this year goes to Sarah Zarko from Newark. Sarah has been part of the Law Enforcement program for the past two years, and during the second half of this year she stepped up to serve as our PM Commander. Quiet and reserved by nature, Sarah chose her moments carefully and spoke up when it truly mattered—traits that reflect maturity, judgment, and leadership.

Sarah aspires to become a United States Marine, a path that fits her discipline, quiet determination, and willingness to lead from the front when needed. Her steady presence, reliability, and calm professionalism have made a real impact on our class, and she will be deeply missed. As our last senior this year, Sarah leaves behind big shoes to fill, and we wish her nothing but success and resilience as she moves on to serve and protect at the next level.

05/16/2026

What an awesome day for our IVVC Law Enforcement students at the Law Enforcement Torch Run “Cop on a Rooftop” event supporting Special Olympics Illinois! Our students had a great time interacting with the community and supporting an incredible cause.

Huge thank you to the Plano Illinois Police Department, Yorkville Police Department, and the Kendall County Sheriff's Office for inviting us to be part of these special details and for always supporting our program. We also want to give a big shout-out to all the Dunkin’ staffs for their hospitality, energy, and support throughout the event.

This was a fantastic way to wrap up the school year and showcase our students’ commitment to service, teamwork, and the law enforcement profession!

05/16/2026

Next week we'll be wrapping up the school year and I'll be sharing some awesome highlights of our year! Stay tuned for some chuckles!

05/15/2026

Today we say goodbye to two outstanding seniors in our program—James Ellis (Earlville) and Beckham Massier (Serena).

Both have been part of our program for the past two years, and it’s been great watching them grow along the way.

Beckham has been a consistent contributor from day one. Whether it was in the classroom or the weight room, he always put in the work. It seemed like every guest speaker we brought in somehow ended up talking to Beckham about working out… probably because he was flexing for them. 💪🏻😂 He brought that same discipline and commitment into everything he did. We wish him all the best as he moves on to the next chapter and prepares to join the United States Navy—thank you for your future service.

James… well, he’s truly one of a kind. He always kept you guessing (and laughing). I think he had more nicknames than anyone I’ve ever met, and he was well-liked by all his classmates. This year, he competed at SkillsUSA and also set a school record that may never be broken—selling 34 boxes of chocolate bars! He only needed to sell 10 to cover his cost, but went above and beyond and helped everyone else out. That says a lot about who he is.

James is still undecided on his future plans, but whatever path he chooses, I’m sure it will be an adventure.

Wishing both of these young men the very best in what comes next—you’ll always be part of our program.

05/14/2026

Today we said goodbye to our final two morning session seniors, Plano’s Mia Salsbery and Rogelio Vargas. Both joined the program last year as juniors—quiet, reserved, and focused—but always dedicated and willing to do whatever was asked of them.

This year, Mia returned as a confident senior ready to lead and make the year special. Her creativity stood out, and she consistently stepped up to organize and keep the morning class running smoothly—often behind the scenes and without being asked. I truly appreciate her hard work and dedication. She’s going to do great things at North Central College, and I’m excited to see where life takes her.

Rogelio came into this year with a clear mission. He was ready to lead, be a strong team player, and set the example. He was confident, reliable, and steady, leading with integrity and always looking to learn more. Rogelio also accomplished something incredibly rare—he completed both his junior and senior years without missing a single day. He even attended on days his home school was off but we were in session. He was especially proud to beat his sister’s record by one day—she also had near-perfect attendance, missing only one day due to a hospital visit.

I’ve had a Vargas in my classes every year since I started teaching in 2022, so next year will feel a little different without one. To the Vargas family, le agradezco la oportunidad de enseñar a sus hermosos hijos.

I will truly miss both Mia and Rogelio and wish them nothing but the best in their futures.

05/13/2026

Today we’re sending off senior Connor “C-Whit” Whittington from Somonauk — and it’s definitely not an easy goodbye.

Connor is truly one of a kind. Over the past two years, I’ve really enjoyed our conversations, and honestly, I’ve learned a lot from him along the way.

He’s a character in the best way — always bringing something to the table, especially when it comes to history. More than once, he caught our guest speakers off guard with how much he knew, and that’s not an easy thing to do.

Connor brought a great personality and energy to the class, and it just won’t be the same without him.

He’s going to be missed, no doubt about it. Excited to see what’s next for you, C-Whit — keep doing your thing.

05/13/2026

Come out to the Plano Gas N Wash Dunkin’ and the Yorkville Gas N Wash Dunkin’ on Friday to support the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Cop on a Rooftop event! Our students will be out there helping collect donations!

Mark your calendars! We’re a week away from the annual Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser for Special Olympics Illinois on Friday, May 15th from 5:00am-noon 🚓🍩

We will be at TWO Dunkin locations:
📍Yorkville Gas N Wash (by the waterpark)
📍Plano Gas N Wash (34/Eldamain)

Those who donate will receive a coupon for a free donut 🍩. We’ll also be there selling Torch Run shirts, hats, mugs, and other merch all benefiting our athletes.