My Why - Officer Devin Ladesic, School Resource Officer

Officer Devin Ladesic of the Wheeling Police Department, who will serve as the school resource officer for Holmes, Frost, Whitman and Twain for the 2023-24 school year

For someone who describes himself as a closet nerd, Wheeling Police Officer Devin Ladesic is far from it. Raised by a single mother, Ladesic attended Whitman Elementary and Holmes Middle Schools. He exudes a youthful, fun spirit that will serve him well as the new School Resource Officer (SRO) for the Holmes Middle School strand (which includes Twain, Whitman and Frost Elementary Schools). “I wanted to give back to the community and be a role model for other kids as I didn’t have a father figure in my life,” said Ladesic. In fact, Ladesic stepped into the father figure role to his nephew who he helped raise. He has also volunteered his time at SLAM Camp in Wheeling, teaching kids leadership skills. “I like kids and can empathize and sympathize with what they are going through,” he added. “However, I realize my number one responsibility is to ensure the school is safe. I don’t want to be a disciplinarian. I want to be a mentor, a role model and a community figure in the school. I don’t want kids to be scared. I’m trying to build bridges,” he said. 

After studying business marketing and criminal justice at Illinois State University, Ladesic applied to several police departments and was thrilled to come back to his roots in Wheeling, where works as a patrol officer and a member of NIPAS (a multi jurisdictional SWAT team), prior to his new role as an SRO. 

Outside of work, he spends a lot of time with friends and family, is a dedicated workout enthusiast and is obsessed with Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. 

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