Police Operations • Support Services • Meet Our Staff
Police Operations
The Sandwich Police Department has an authorized strength of fifteen (15) sworn full-time police officers, encompassing the ranks of Chief of Police, Sergeant, and Patrol Officer. Officers assigned to the Patrol Division vigilantly patrol the City of Sandwich in an effort to detect and prevent crime. On a daily basis our officers assist citizens, assist other law enforcement agencies, engage in community events, participate in the schools, and enforce criminal and traffic law. All patrol officers are required to complete 16 weeks of basic law enforcement instruction, or equivalent, at a certified Illinois police academy. When a new officer returns from the police academy, the officer participates in a 12 week field training program where the officer is paired with several Field Training Officers (FTO’s). After the officer successfully completes the field training program he/she is authorized for solo patrol. A new police officer is continually reviewed during a 1 year probationary period to ensure that the officer is progressing properly and meeting department standards. Patrol officers are sent to specialized training for DUI detection, investigative techniques, breathalyzer operations, annual law updates, and other classes based on availability. Sandwich Police Officers wear many hats and often play dual roles in the department. Our officers hold specialty positions such as DARE Officer, Evidence Custodian, Crime Scene/Evidence Technician, K9 Officer, Range Master, Firearms Armorer, Field Training Officer, etc.
Investigative roles with the Sandwich Police Department may include a general assignment detective, an officer assigned as an Inspector with the Kendall County Cooperative Police Assistance Team (KCPAT), an Illinois State Police narcotics task force, and a School Resource Officer dedicated to Sandwich CUSD #430. Our investigators are members of the DeKalb County Major Crimes Squad, a multijurisdictional countywide initiative that is periodically activated to investigate the most serious of crimes. Criminal investigations initiated by the Patrol Division that require considerable time and effort are assigned to the Investigation Division. By having members of the police department dedicated to investigating complex and time consuming cases, it allows members of the Patrol Division to remain “on the street” responding to the needs of the community in a timely manner. Members of the Investigations Division participate in monthly multi-jurisdictional detective and gang meetings to share and obtain intelligence with surrounding law enforcement agencies.
Support Services
The Sandwich Police Department Support Services Division includes a Supervisor and an Administrative Clerk that facilitates the Adjudication Program and Community Relations initiatives. Our Support Services Division engages in various clerical and administrative tasks including maintaining an organized filing system, managing payments, assisting in budgeting, preparing reports, communicating with surrounding State’s Attorney’s Offices, and so much more.
In addition to the clerical needs of the department, the Support Services Division is available to properly install car seats! This service is available Monday – Friday (excluding holidays), during normal business hours by appointment only. Please call 815-786-7261 for more information.
Meet Our Staff
Learn more about the members of the Sandwich Police Department! Click the member’s name for email.
I have 25 years of Law Enforcement experience. Prior to becoming the Police Chief for Sandwich, I was a Commander for the Elgin Police Department. I was assigned to the Department’s Strategic Initiatives and Patrol Operations. I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice from Western Illinois University. I have completed Staff and Command through Northwestern and I am a FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association recipient. I am committed to employee development within the Police Department and building strong community partnerships.
Outside of the Police Department I coach baseball and enjoy going to baseball games and hockey games.
I was born and raised in Sandwich IL and love this town. I am a veteran of this great country. I’m a husband to a wonderful wife and a father to three amazing children. I love spending time with my family. I am an avid Chicago Bears fan and I love a good cigar. I am also a youth football coach and currently serve on the SYTF board.
I began my career with the Sandwich Police Department in 2006 as a part-time Dispatcher. In 2008 I was hired as a full-time Patrol Officer. Prior to my promotion to Sergeant in 2017 I was assigned to the Kendall County Cooperative Police Assistance Team (KCPAT), an Illinois State Police multi-jurisdictional narcotics unit.
Additionally, I’m a husband (and father to a Miniature Schnauzer), nature lover, drummer, and stock market dabbler. I have an Associate of Science Degree in General Sciences from Waubonsee Community College and an unfinished Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology from Northern Illinois University (one day…).
Faith, Family, Freedom. I like outdoor activities such as fishing, biking, cooking out and spending time with my wife and kids. I started my law enforcement career back in 2007 as a Patrol Officer and began my career with Sandwich PD in 2012. Since then I have worked in Investigations, the schools as our department’s first School Resource Officer (SRO), and I also taught DARE. I’m a Field Training Officer (FTO) and run our firearms and taser programs. I was promoted to Sergeant in April 2024.
I grew up in Sandwich and am a 1994 graduate of Sandwich High School. I have been a member of the Sandwich Police Department since September of 2005 and have served our community as a Detective, DARE Officer, and SRO. I also coach youth baseball in the spring and I am an avid sports fan.
I’ve been in public service for 26 years, starting as a Firefighter/EMT. I’ve now been a police officer for 20 years, with 9 of those years being in Sandwich. During my time as a police officer I have been a motorcycle officer, firearms instructor, and a K9 handler.
I started working for the City of Sandwich in 2014. While I’m not at work, I enjoy fishing, listening to podcasts, and contemplating the nature of the universe.
Officer William “Billy” Meisner #10
I have been a Patrol Officer for 8 years total, 6 years with the City of Sandwich. I am an Officer in Charge (OIC), Field Training Officer (FTO), and trained in Crisis Intervention (CIT). When I’m not working I would be at one of my children’s sports activities, on a boat during the summer, or on a snowmobile during the winter.
I proudly serve in the military. As the oldest of seven siblings, I bring a sense of responsibility, leadership, and dedication to my military service, ensuring the safety and well-being of others with the same care I have for my own family.
I joined SPD in 2023. Prior to joining I worked for the Will County Sheriff’s Office. I strive to treat everyone as if they were a part of my own family. I love hearing people’s experiences and stories. In my free time I love spending time with my family and friends. I am a huge Disney fan, especially when it comes to Stitch. And a fun fact about me: I am number 8 out of 9 children in my family and I am the shortest male at 6 foot 4.
I am a 2021 graduate of Sandwich High School. I enjoy Motocross, the outdoors and spending time with my family.
Hello, my name is Erik Favela. I am happy and excited to serve the City of Sandwich as a Police Officer. I have a few years of law enforcement experience and I am fluent in Spanish. I enjoy going to the gym, hiking, and kayaking. When the weather is nice, I like to spend my time riding my motorcycle and playing basketball at the park. I volunteer my time teaching religious education to fourth graders and have been teaching for over 5 years. I have also volunteered as a firefighter.
Hello, my name is Joel French. I have 23 years of full time and part-time police experience and own Blue-Line Driving School in DeKalb. I enjoy spending time with family, golfing, riding motorcycle, attending music venues and you will see me sometimes, on stage, playing drums in a rock band. It is a privilege and honor to serve this wonderful community and I am looking forward to meeting you.
I started my career in public service in Southern Illinois as a paid on call firefighter. In 1999, I became a police officer. I have had various roles including Chief and FTO. I also worked for the Illinois Department of Corrections as an Officer and Lieutenant. When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my wife, kids, and several dogs. I can usually be found in the gym, but also enjoy being outdoors, riding motorcycles, and attending church.
P/T Officer Rich Ravnikar #101
Rich was hired in March of 1989 as a Patrol Officer with the City of Sandwich. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2007 and retired in 2017. He has worked as a Part-Time Police Officer with SPD since October of 2018.
Support Services Supervisor Wendy Flowers
I have been employed at the Sandwich Police Department for over 20 years, initially as a 9-1-1 dispatcher, then transitioned to Administration. I currently oversee the Support Services Division.
Administrative Clerk Mary Bryant
I work for the City of Sandwich Police Department in the Support Services Division. I am primarily responsible for administrating the adjudication program, supporting the day to day operations, along with a host of other responsibilities, to include community relations. I am one of our department’s FOIA officers.