Patrol officer Jonathan Voss, Burr Ridge’s newest police officer, is making himself right at home after his first two weeks on the job.

He previously worked in Chicago but has moved to the suburbs to be closer to family and to take advantage of the area schools for his two young daughters.
“Everybody’s been real nice; all the people at the station have been nothing but helpful to me,” said Voss, 32.

He said he became a police officer after working in the private sector. He always enjoyed helping people and volunteering.
“I took a career test in college, and it directed me to a life of service,” he said. “After Sept. 11, I wanted a police job, a job of giving back. It really has a sense of meaning for me.”

He worked as a member of the Chicago Police Department for three years, starting in the 21st District and moving to the 20th District. He said it just seemed like the right place to be at the time, but now plans on being a Burr Ridge cop for the long term.
“The main difference I’ve seen is the streets. The streets are very different,” he said. “There are subdivisions here, and I’m used to a grid street system. It’s also very dark here; in the city, there are a lot more street lights.”

Voss said safety was not really a factor in the move to Burr Ridge.
“You have to be alert and aware wherever you are as a police officer, whether it be Burr Ridge or Chicago,” he said. “It can get pretty busy in the city, but it can get pretty busy out here, too.”

With a new police station slated to be built, Voss said he is excited to use the new space and all it has to offer.

“I’m certainly happy, and that’s something to definitely get excited about, the increased space and the upgraded facility,” he said. “They’re taking care of the officers with that.”
Voss said he prefers working in the short summers of the Chicago area as opposed to the long winters.

“The good news is, we have places to go to file the paperwork. The station, or our rolling office. We have air conditioning and heat,” he said. “I prefer it to be warm though. It’s busier then, and it passes the time better.”