Frankfort School District 157-C Announces New School Resource Officer

Frankfort School District 157-C is pleased to announce the appointment of

Officer Thomas Mineo as the new School Resource Officer (SRO), effective July 1, 2024.
Mineo will replace Officer Chad Riff, who served the students and staff of Frankfort 157-C
diligently for nine years: five years as Frankfort 157-C's SRO and nine years as the D.A.R.E.
officer for fifth graders at Chelsea.

Riff will transition back to the role of patrol officer, while also assisting with departmental
training and continuing to be the representative for the Law Enforcement Torch Run to
fundraise for Special Olympic athletes. Riff said his time as the school resource officer at
Frankfort 157-C has been very fulfilling.

“I look forward to continuing my career with the Frankfort Police Department and staying
connected with all my students and 157-C staff members who I’ve built relationships with
over the many years. I look forward to assisting Officer Thomas Mineo into a smooth
transition as the next school resource officer for 157-C,” Riff said.

Officer Mineo brings with him a wealth of experience and a commitment to ensuring the
safety and well-being of the students and staff. With his background in community policing
and dedication to fostering positive relationships with the community, Mineo is well
equipped to uphold the values of Frankfort 157-C.

Mineo has served with the Frankfort Police Department since 2003 as a senior patrol
officer, field training officer, and an instructor for the agency. He has also worked as a
detective.

“I am excited and looking forward to teaching the D.A.R.E. program and being able to
interact with the students and staff in a positive way. I also look forward to working with
the schools to maintain and achieve the best safety and security for the students and staff. I
look forward to the new position and challenges ahead,” Mineo added.

“When [the Frankfort Police Department] first envisioned this program, we hoped for the
opportunity to make connections with the students, enhance school safety, and provide
additional resources for the district. Officer Riff was able to accomplish this and so much
more. Officer Mineo’s investigative experience, training background, and desire to serve in
the community make him a great fit for the role. We’re excited to introduce him to the
community as the next District resource officer,” remarked Frankfort Police Chief Leanne
Chelepis.

Frankfort School District Superintendent, Dr. Doug Wernet. expressed his appreciation for
Officer Riff and the ongoing relationship with the Village of Frankfort. “The intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Frankfort to bring a school resource officer into our schools was a revolutionary, forward-thinking decision when the Board agreed on it in the spring of 2019. Our students and staff appreciate the police presence and the opportunity to build relationships with the school resource officer. Officer Riff is an exemplary school resource officer. We respect the work he has done for the betterment of our school community and wish him the best as he transitions roles. We now look forward to Officer Mineo and expect he will be an excellent school resource officer just as well,” Wernet said.

Lutz thanked both the Village of Frankfort and the police department for their continued
partnership, saying, “The Board hopes we can continue this relationship for many years.
We’re looking forward to working with Officer Mineo