LOCKPORT, Ill. – In an effort to experience what local officers see every day while patrolling the streets, state Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, joined the Lockport Police Department for a ride-along Wednesday morning.

“Our local police perform a difficult, dangerous job every day in service of the members of our community,” Connor said. “I’m thankful for the hard work that the Lockport Police Department does, and I appreciated getting a sense of their perspective through the ride-along.”

Connor joined the shift of Officer Vinnie Vitacco for his ride-along Wednesday morning. In addition to getting a first-hand perspective of what officers deal with while patrolling local streets, Connor had an opportunity to watch officers engage and interact with members of the community. Connor also spoke to officers and members of the department’s leadership to get a sense of what he can do in Springfield to assist law enforcement and make the community safer.

“As a former criminal prosecutor, I’m well aware of the challenges our law enforcement faces,” Connor said. “I pledge to do what I can to make sure that our officers have the resources they need to safely pursue criminals, put them behind bars and ensure our streets are safe.”