2019 Joliet Officer Of The Year Kevin Clendening Dies

JOLIET, IL — Kevin Clendening, who was honored in February as one of the Joliet Police Department's two officers of the year for 2019, recently died at age 28. Several people acquainted with Clendening told Joliet Patch that he died following a serious illness.

At Tuesday night's Joliet City Council meeting, Father Chris Groh, the longtime chaplain at the Joliet Police Department, asked everyone in attendance to remember Clendening.

"Before I offer a prayer, I'd like you to please join me in taking a moment of silence for one of our Joliet police officers who passed away this past week, Kevin Clendening," the Joliet priest from St. Mary Magdalene and St. Bernard's Parishes asked Joliet's elected officials.

Private funeral services were held Monday at Joliet's Tezak Funeral Home on Plainfield Road.

On Wednesday night, Father Groh told Joliet Patch that he officiated the funeral service and got to know Clendening during his five years on the Joliet police force. Clendening worked regular street patrols and was assigned to the night shift, according to the longtime Joliet priest.

"He was very outgoing, and he made friends very easily," Groh said. "From an early age, he always wanted to be a police officer. He was very prepared for the responsibility as a police officer."

Groh said that Clendering's father was a police officer and several other family members also worked in law enforcement.

As a Joliet officer, "Kevin was very instinctive and he was very natural for law enforcement, just very even tempered," Groh said.

According to Groh, Clendening was diagnosed with an illness about six weeks ago.

Clendening's death in his late 20s was likely a shock to many and may cause other members of the Joliet Police Department to realize their own mortality, according to Groh.

It will likely be difficult for many of the officers who have worked closely with him during his time at the Joliet Police Department, and really help other members of the police department refocus, Groh said.

"No matter what your age," Groh told Joliet Patch, "you're vulnerable."

According to his obituary, Clendening was born and raised in Naperville before coming to Joliet. He was a 2010 graduate of Neuqua Valley High School and he obtained his bachelor's in criminal justice from Lewis University in Romeoville.

"He went on to proudly serve with the Joliet Police Department and received the 2019 officer of the year award for his dedicated service. In March of 2012 Kevin met the love of his life, Kristina Kent, and on October 13, 2018 they were happily married in Carol Stream," his obituary states.

Clendening enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with his dog, Tank, according to Tezak Funeral Home. "Kevin dedicated his life to helping others when he was on duty and off. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him."

To read the full obituary, visit the Tezak Funeral Home's website here.