Craig S. Sline officially entered his retirement at the Homewood Village Board meeting on Jan. 14, where he was honored and congratulated.
Sline served 30 years for the Homewood Police Department since joining on Jan. 9, 1995.

after being honored for 30 years of service with the Homewood
Police Department. (Summer Kiswani/H-F Chronicle)
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Governors State University in 1996, and a Master degree in Public Administration in 2007. He also graduated from Northwestern Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command in May 2013.
Throughout his career, Sline was a mentor for new members of the department, and had many specialized assignments; including tactical officer, detective, drug abuse resistance education (DARE) officer, juvenile officer, and more, according to Police Chief Denise McGrath.
According to a resolution honoring Sline, he had many highlights during his career. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant on May 24, 2010, and received notable awards. Sline received the Cook County Sheriff’s Award of Merit for Outstanding Service and Professionalism in 2002 and the Cook County Crime Stoppers Excellence in Law Enforcement Award in 2005.
He also received several letters of appreciation and commendations from the Homewood Police Department, private citizens, local businesses, and other police agencies throughout his career, McGrath said.
“The resolution gives you a sense of what Craig has accomplished over 30 years professionally, but it doesn’t really capture all the lives that a police officer touches during a 30-year career,” McGrath said, adding, “it is immeasurable.”
“Both on a personal and a professional level, I would like to thank you for your years of service and everything that you have done for everybody in this room and beyond,” she said.
Sline made a speech at the meeting thanking those he worked with, people who helped him get to where he is, those who supported him, and the village board.
“They’ve always treated us fairly and made it a wonderful place to work in my career, so I want to say thank you,” said Sline in regard to the department.
Sline was described as valuable, trustworthy, hardworking, a leader, and a role model by his peers.