River Forest Village Board of Trustees | | |
Dear River Forest residents,
At the previous Village Board meeting, the Village proudly recognized Police Officer Eddie Coleman as the 2025 Officer of the Year. Throughout the year, Officer Coleman has demonstrated exceptional dedication to public safety and service to our community. His commitment was especially evident in February, when he responded to an emergency, administered CPR to an unresponsive resident, and helped them regain a pulse - contributing directly to their recovery.
The Department also celebrated another well-deserved honor, highlighting the critical work that happens behind the scenes. Police Records Supervisor Nicole Collum was named the 2026 Women in Criminal Justice Civilian of the Year by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Executive Institute. While not a sworn officer, Nicole plays a vital role in managing and coordinating the Department’s police records, ensuring smooth operations every day. River Forest is fortunate to have such dedicated professionals on our team.
Additionally, I’m pleased to share that River Forest is the only community in Illinois that has been named a finalist for the 2026 All-America City Award. I encourage you to read more below about what this recognition means as we prepare to compete for this prestigious national award in June.
Finally, I invite you to attend the April 13 Village Board meeting, when the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget will be presented. As in previous years, the budget is balanced and demonstrates the Village’s continued commitment to responsible financial stewardship. Learn more here.
Sincerely,
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Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
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River Forest has been named a finalist for the 2026 All-America City Award, earning recognition as the only community in Illinois selected for this prestigious honor. For more than 75 years, the All-America City Award has celebrated communities that demonstrate excellence, not only in what they achieve, but in how they engage residents, foster collaboration, and create lasting change.
This year’s 20 finalists were chosen through a competitive review process based on criteria including civic engagement, inclusiveness, collaboration, innovation, and impact. River Forest will join fellow finalists in Denver, Colorado, from June 26–28, where teams will present their work to a panel of national civic leaders. The event will also feature workshops, discussions, and opportunities to share ideas with communities from across the country. Learn more here.
| | April is Autism Awareness Month, and the River Forest Police Department proudly recognizes and supports individuals and families in the community impacted by autism. As part of this effort, officers will be wearing Autism Awareness Stars on their uniforms throughout the month, symbolizing the Department’s commitment to inclusion, understanding, and compassionate service. This initiative reflects an ongoing commitment to strengthening relationships and ensuring all residents feel seen, supported, and respected. | |  |
Put the Phone
Away or Pay
| April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Police Department is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, and local law enforcement agencies to increase enforcement efforts throughout the month. Motorists will see additional patrols to identify distracted driving behaviors, including texting and other electronic device violations. Please note: the use of a handheld electronic device while driving is illegal in Illinois. If you need to send a message, check directions, or make a call, please pull over safely. | | |
River Forest Team Member Spotlight:
Fire Marshal Ryan Lambert
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When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up? I always knew I wanted to work in public safety - either as a police officer or firefighter - and I was fortunate enough to do both. I was inspired by my dad’s 32-year career with the Batavia Police Department, my mom’s 25 years as a nurse, and several family members who served with Chicago Police and Fire. I started as a firefighter at 16, became a full-time police officer at 22, and transitioned to full-time fire service at 24. For 17 years, I also worked part-time as a police officer on my days off. I’ve spent 20 years in law enforcement and am now in my 35th year as a firefighter. It’s been an honor to serve.
What position do you hold and in what circumstances would I come to you for something? I serve as the Fire Marshal for the Fire Department. Residents and businesses can turn to me for fire code guidance, life safety inspections, and fire prevention education.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had, and what did you learn from it? Corn detasseling - hands down. It was hot, humid, physically demanding, and full of bugs and scratches from the corn stalks. It definitely wasn’t glamorous, but it taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. After that experience, just about any job felt manageable!
| | The Fire Department recently hosted a successful blood drive, with a total of 17 donors who contributed 15 pints of blood - enough to help up to 45 patients in need. The Department extends its sincere thanks to all who donated and supported this important effort. Over the past three years, the Fire Department has contributed an impressive 130 pints of blood to the community blood program, demonstrating a strong and ongoing commitment to saving lives. Save the date for the next blood drive on Saturday, July 25. | | | Willard Elementary School invites members of the senior community to its annual Big Hearts, Little Hands Senior Citizens’ Tea on Friday, April 24, from 9:15 to 11 a.m. (doors open at 8:45 a.m.). This free, heartwarming event brings students and seniors together to celebrate connection and community. Every Willard student plays a role in the celebration - whether they provide entertainment, welcome guests, or serve as hosts. The morning will include a student concert followed by a tea reception. Please RSVP by Friday, April 17 here. | | | Join the Bike Exchange This Sunday | | |
The 6th annual River Forest Community Bike Exchange, hosted in partnership with Green4Good and the River Forest Sustainability Commission, will take place at the Roosevelt Middle School Playground this Sunday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There are several ways to participate:
- Bring gently used bikes or accessories to exchange or donate
- Shop for “new-to-you” items with a suggested donation (cash, Venmo, or Zelle)
- Register bicycles with the Police Department and receive a license sticker on-site.
To ensure a successful event, early bike drop-off is strongly encouraged so items can be tuned, cleaned, and organized. Early drop-off is open April 5–11 at 730 Lathrop Avenue. Donations will be logged upon drop-off, though participants can also bring items on the day of the event. Both children’s and adult bikes are welcome, and all are encouraged to take part in this fun, eco-friendly community tradition. For questions about early drop off or to RSVP, click here.
| | River Forest Business Spotlight | | |
Refresh your routine at Skincare Company Spa & Hair Salon, where a licensed and experienced team provides advanced clinical skincare using the latest techniques. In addition to customized facials, the spa offers a full range of services including hair care, spa treatments, and pharmaceutical-grade skincare products. Learn more or book your next appointment here.
Please support local businesses whenever possible! If you have a business located in River Forest with a valid business license, it can be featured in the Village’s business spotlight. If you’d like your business to be featured, please send us an email. You can find a listing of River Forest businesses on the Village’s Shop River Forest website.
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