Highland Park Cops Channel 'Friends' In Lip Sync Challenge Video

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — The Highland Park Police Department released its entry in the genre of police lip synch videos Wednesday. The video is set to the tune of the theme song to the sitcom"Friends" – 1994's "I'll Be There for You" by the Rembrandts – and aimed at reflecting that the department and its staff will always be there for its residents and businesses, according to Chief Lou Jogmen.

“This also was a great opportunity for our officers to allow residents to see their fun side and showcased the excellent camaraderie we have in our organization," Jogmen said, announcing the video. "It also showed some interesting dance moves.”

While the nationwide phenomenon of police lip synch videos often includes an element of challenging other departments, Highland Park had not yet been challenged by another agency. Jogmen, who became chief in February, said he consulted with some other area departments but they were uninterested in receiving such a challenge.

So instead of a throwing such the gauntlet to other lawmen, Jogmen said his goal was to put out a fun and funny message to the community. The chief said the idea came to fruition as a collaborative effort after having watched many videos in the #lipsynchchallenge category.

"Somebody had suggested the song, and then the concept," Jogmen said. "We talked about it and said you know what? I say we don't even need to be challenged, that's a great message and it will be fun and let's do it for the holidays and let's get it out there."

Filming was conducted in bit and pieces during breaks and days off in October and November, according to Jogmen, who is featured in the opening scene. Editing and cinematography were volunteered by Officer Reyes Montemayor, a professional photographer who owns and operates Waterview Films. Vic Walters, of Highland Park's public access center, also contributed.

The HPPD 'Friends' cast included Cmdr. Chris O'Neil (also featured as the resident musician in the video's band) Sgt. Jenny Olsen, Officers Amy Hyndman, Eric Hernandez, Amanda Duchak and CSO Jay Morris.

While it is not the first time the 'Friends' concept has been executed in the police lip-synch genre, it is the most comprehensive, clocking in at nearly 6 minutes including its opening scene – set at Coffee Speaks as "Highland Perk" – and credits. It features aerial photography around Highland Park and various cameos from members of the community.

Related:

• Evanston Police Release Lip Synch Challenge With Community
• Niles Police Answer Lip Synch Challenge With A 'Bang'
• Skokie Police Lip Sync Challenge Raises The Bar