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Former Roscoe Police Chief Jamie Evans fondly remembered
Tributes are pouring in in loving memory of former Roscoe Police Chief Jamie Evans who passed away on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
In a statement released by the Roscoe Police Department on the day of her passing that reads, “It is with great sadness and heavy hearts, that the Roscoe Police Department must forever say goodbye to Jamie Evans, whose second battle with cancer ended this evening.
Jamie served as Police Chief from 2008 until 2022. We express our sincerest condolences to her family and hope for a measure of peace during this time of mourning.”
Jamie Ray-Evans graduated from Byron High School in 1994. She received her Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from Kaplan University.
Jamie Evans was a resident of South Beloit and was known as someone who blazed a trail and opened doors for women in law enforcement.
Evans knew at age 10 when she was in fifth grade that she wanted to be a police officer.
In an interview with Evans during her retirement party she shared. “My teacher said that wouldn’t be a good job for me because I was a girl.”
At age 19 Evans worked as a dispatcher in Ogle County.
In 1998 Evans joined the Roscoe Police Department, advancing through the ranks during her 24-year career
When she started, Evans worked under Roscoe Police Chief Dick Lee.
Evans led the Roscoe department to earn its accreditation through the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.
Evans worked as a patrol officer, advanced to a Corporal, was a detective, and a Sergeant. In November of 2008 she was sworn in as Roscoe’s new Chief of Police by former Village President Dave Krienke.
Evans was the first female police chief in Winnebago County in 2008, while also being a Lieutenant at the same time.
Evans served as the Chief of Police for 14 years. In May of 2022 Evans was selected to sit on the board of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, (IACP.)
During her tenure Evans took part in different community events. One of those events was organized by former Rockton Police Sgt, Dean Camacho who organized a fashion show in 2009.
Evans served as Vice President of the Tommy Coral Memorial Foundation; a non-profit that raises awareness around depression and suicide. She taught mental health first aid to first responders in the Stateline area.
Evans wanted to put a focus on charities and cancer awareness organizations. She also enjoyed horseback riding and spending time at BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center.
After giving years of dedicated service Jamie Evans officially retired on April, citing health reasons. That evening Roscoe’s Deputy Chief Sam Hawley was promoted to Roscoe Chief of Police.
To honor Evans and her years of service to the community, and all of the advancements that she led the department in on April 11, 2023 family, friends and community attended a special meeting where the police station at the Village Hall was dedicated to Evans and was renamed, “The Jamie Ray-Evans Public Safety Building.”
The public joined Evans on Thursday evening, April 13 at an open house and retirement party at Mary’s Market in Roscoe. Evans greeted friends, family, fellow law enforcement and the community as each wished her well in the future.
Always showing strong support were Evan’s husband Brian, their daughter Kaitlyn, Jamie’s parents and sister plus a grateful community.
Rockford Park District Detective Lisa Hodges is one of the people who admired Evans and was inspired by her. “As a woman and a detective Jamie had always been supportive. She was there to support me when I was ready to take my test to become a detective.”
Hodges described Jamie as “a very smart and strong woman, everything she did was done in the best way, she never did anything halfway.
“When I first started 30 years ago women weren’t wanted in law enforcement,” Hodges said.
“Jamie knew and covered all facets of the job. She was a hard worker and always went for it. She always remained calm, cool and collected.”
Jamie Evans funeral service was held on Monday, Dec. 18 at Roscoe United Methodist Church, with a formal police procession.
In lieu of flowers Evans’ family would appreciate that any donations be made out to Justice for Cure at justiceforacure.org., or to the Tommy Coral Memorial Foundation at tommycoralmemorialfoundation.com.
Jamie Evans will forever be remembered for her strong ethics and for opening doors for other women to be in and to advance in law enforcement.
