Rockford Police swear in 5 recruits, promote 5 officers

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford Police swore in five recruits as well as promoted five officers on May 3rd.

One of the new recruits, Jaycent Lindquist, previously graduated from Hononegah High School and worked as a seasonal clerk for the Winnebago County Courthouse. Lindquist said that he is excited to be joining the police department and serving the community.

“I’ve just always been like, wanting to help people I guess, and I guess this is the best way to do that,” said Linquist. “Serve and protect the community by joining the police force, so it’s what keeps me going every day.”

Officer Alexander Lee is a graduate of East High School in Rockford, Illinois, and has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Northern Illinois University. He was employed by the Target Warehouse Distribution Center prior to being hired by the Rockford Police Department.

Officer Michelle Wise is a graduate of Jefferson High School in Rockford, Illinois. She was employed by the City of Rockford as a Neighborhood Stabilization Officer prior to being hired by the Rockford Police Department.

Officer Saul Esquivel is a graduate of Harvard High School in Harvard, Illinois, and is an active member of the Army National Guard as a Sergeant in the 1158th Transportation Company. He was employed by 99 Alpha Inc. prior to being hired by the Rockford Police Department.

Officer Tyler Helgerson is a graduate of Belvidere North High School in Belvidere, Illinois. He was employed by NCG Hospitality as the Area Chief Engineer prior to being hired by the Rockford Police Department.

Investigator Brandon Pofelski is being promoted to sergeant. Pofelski joined Rockford Police in October 2007 and was assigned to the Services Bureau Patrol. In 2013, he was assigned to the M3 Streets Team and in 2018, was promoted to investigator.

Investigator Michael Lange is being promoted to sergeant. He joined Rockford Police in August 2005 and was assigned to the Services Bureau Patrol. In 2015 he joined the M3 Streets Team, in 2016 he was assigned to the K-9 Unit with his dog, Frank. In 2018 he was assigned to D1 Day Shift Patrol and in 2022 he was promoted to investigator.

Investigator Jeremiah Cizerle is being promoted to sergeant. He joined the Rockford Police Department in August 2006 and was assigned to the Services Bureau Patrol. In 2018 he was assigned to SCOPE and in 2023 was promoted to investigator. Cizerle is also a member of the recruitment team.

Sergeant Richard Gambini Jr. is being promoted to Lieutenant. He joined Rockford Police in 1999 and was assigned to the Services Bureau Patrol. In 2005 Gambini was promoted to detective and worked in the Metro Narcotics Unit until 2008 and worked in the Sensitive Crimes and Burglary Unit until his promotion to Sergeant in 2010.

Gambini bounced around as a Sergeant assuming the role of Acting Shift Commander, M3 Streets Team Sergeant and Gang Crime Unit Sergeant. He has also been a member of the Hostage Negotiation Team for over 20 years and is the senior negotiator and operational supervisor.

Sergeant John Wenstrom is being promoted to Lieutenant. He joined the Rockford Police Department in 2000 and was assigned to the Services Bureau Patrol. He was promoted to Traffic Investigator in 2011 and was also on the DUI Task Force. Wenstrom was awarded the AAIM “Illinois Top Cop” in 2012 ranking #1 in the State for DUI arrests by an officer and an exceptional service medal by RPD.

In 2017 he transferred to the Afternoon Shift Detective Bureau, followed by the Sensitive Crimes Unit and the Violent Crimes Unit. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2021 and was assigned to be the SCOPE Sergeant.

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