Patrol Division

Patrol Unit


The Patrol Officer is the most visible member of the Police Department. Assigned to motorized patrol in marked police vehicles, officers of the Patrol Unit provide emergency services to the community 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. The Patrol Unit is directly responsible for the protection of life and property, prevention of criminal activity, preliminary investigation of offenses reported by the public, apprehension of criminal offenders, investigation of traffic accidents, and continuous preventative patrol of the community.

K-9 Unit


The Wheeling Police Department’s K-9 Unit currently comprises of Officer Robert Czopek and his German Shepard partner, Kane. Kane was born June 12, 2021 in the Czech Republic.  Upon being selected and brought to the United States, Kane began pre-training for police work at the “TOPS for Dog Training” kennels in Grayslake. Kane was later teamed with Officer Czopek, who while working together completed certifications in narcotics searches, tracking, area searches, building searches, and handler protection before graduating TOPS K-9 Academy in November 2022.

Within a month of active service Kane made his first drug bust, resulting in the seizure of a significant amount of cocaine and cash.  

Our second KP Unit members include Officer Anthony Guzzarde with his partner Locke. K9 Locke is assigned to the patrol division at the Wheeling Police Department in Illinois on afternoon shift. He is a 3.5 year old sable German Shepard Dog. K9 Locke has been on patrol with Handler Officer Guzzarde (Patrolman) since June of 2023 after completing training at TOPS Kennel. Locke is certified in the following areas: handler protection, area, article/evidence, and narcotic searches, and tracking.

K9 Locke is a very energetic dog and has no off switch. Whether he is on patrol or at home, he is always ready to play. Locke enjoys running around in the backyard with his pitbull brother, Henry. Locke does not like when the Roomba is cleaning the house, he “attacks” the Roomba every time it is turned on.

You can meet Officer Czopek and K-9 Kane and Officer Guzzarde and K-9 Locke at Wheeling’s National Night Out event or at one of the many other demonstrations performed throughout the year.


The Wheeling Police Department’s Comfort Dog Program features Buddy a specially trained canine who provides calm, reassurance, and emotional support during stressful situations.Comfort Dog Buddy With OfficerBuddy assists officers in connecting with residents, supporting victims, and promoting positive interactions between the department and the community. Buddy is assigned to Officer Komin, who is specially trained to deploy Buddy wherever needed.

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Traffic Unit

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The primary functions of the Traffic Unit are selective enforcement of traffic regulations and investigation of serious traffic crashes. Additionally, the Traffic Unit is responsible for traffic engineering studies, review of development plans for traffic issues, coordination of pedestrian and traffic safety programs, and planning related to traffic movement and safety. The Traffic Unit can be reached at 847-459-2610.

Community Service Officers


The main objective of the Community Service Officer Program is to provide assistance to sworn personnel. They are required to assist the general public with requests for service which do not require a sworn police officer. Some of the duties include:

  • Signing complaints and issuing citations for violations of the Wheeling Municipal Code. Animal complaints/investigations which include stray animals, animal abuse, setting humane traps, and apprehending and transporting impounded animals to the pound.
  • Assist with traffic control.
  • Complete tasks assigned by supervisory officers to allow orderly administration of the police service.