Philip Contreras
Chief (Ret.), Blue Island (IL) Police Department
Hi, my name is Philip – my close friends call me Phil or Yogi. I joined the Calumet Park Police Department in Illinois in 1980, which was my hometown. When I was 21 years old, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I was invited to join my first department as a part-time Police Officer. I immediately fell in love with the career. I worked alongside a childhood friend and I met many more lifetime friends throughout my career. One thing that surprised me about being a Police Officer is that I’d never expected such great comradery. I continued my career in a neighboring community in Blue Island, Illinois. I served in many roles within my career in the Blue Island Police Department. I’m sharing this story because I want my community to know how honored I was to serve them as a law enforcement professional. I’m so honored to be remembered in this Museum, because I was proud to serve my community and my profession. Thank you to my family at home and in Law Enforcement for their support. May God watch over our brothers and sisters who continue to serve.
