NEVER FORGET
September 11 is the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in our nation. It was the end of our innocence and the beginning of the War on Terror.
Though over 3000 were lost on that terrible day, many thousands more were saved due to the firefighters, police and paramedics who bravely arrived at the scenes, and in many cases gave the ultimate sacrifice, to save their fellow Americans.
Noting this solemn anniversary, allows us to demonstrate our gratitude to all first responders who put themselves in harm’s way for us every day. Throughout the pandemic, first responders have demonstrated their enduring commitment to public health and safety. Please take the time to thank them and acknowledge their service.
Though we can never forget that terrible day, we must remember the strength, resiliency and promise of our great nation. And we must never forget all those who keep us safe.
HAVE YOU THANKED A COP TODAY?
These past few months have been challenging for first responders. Our Annual Police Reports illustrates that despite the pandemic and other challenges, we are providing high quality services. With the mission of keeping our community safe, our officers apprehended a car burglary crew, stopped a variety of senior scams, and confiscated illegal drugs, keeping them off our streets and away from our children.
The Police Department has taken a proactive approach to stopping drunk driving by participating in the state’s Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP). The department’s enforcement effort has proven very successful resulting in Franklin Park ranking 16th in the entire state in DUI arrests.
If you get a chance, let our police officers know how much you appreciate their efforts.
IT IS OUR HOME, IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY
The United Nations recently issued a well-documented and researched report on climate change. They concluded unequivocally that we are in a catastrophic, planet-threatening situation that could get worse before it gets better if we do not take immediate action. We have seen the impact locally. We know we have experienced more violent and more frequent storms, along with more extensive flooding and severe damage.
This planet is our home, and we all need to do our part. I want to reiterate how critical it is that individuals, businesses, agencies, and governments make it a priority to reduce our carbon footprint and vastly increase our commitment to sustainability.
Franklin Park has been a leader in implementing sustainable practices in all operations. We are deeply committed to promoting recycling which is proven to lessen landfill gases. As the organic mass in a landfill decomposes, methane gas is released. Methane is 84 times more effective at absorbing the sun's heat than carbon dioxide, making it one of the most potent greenhouse gases and a huge contributor to climate change. Landfill gases are also more toxic to our health than carbon dioxide and are directly responsible for increased smog and worsening health problems like asthma.
Please be aware of what you put in a landfill. Food and yard waste decomposes in landfills and releases methane, disturbing our ecosystem and degrading our air quality.
Proper recycling helps alleviate this danger. Please donate or sell textiles and clothing, limit your food waste, mulch your grass, and recycle all acceptable plastic, metal, glass, and paper products. A complete Recycling Guide is available on the Village’s website.
It is up to us!
Mayor Barrett Pedersen