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Officer Penny Cure retires after 20 years of dedicated service with the Rockton Police Department
Rockton Police Officer Penny Cure has retired after 20 years of dedicated service to the community.
Penny Cure was always interested in law enforcement, however, she did not pursue the career until 2003.
“My husband had been a police officer for two years at that point. I was always so interested to hear about his day and what he did. He encouraged me to pursue the same career. I was in a whole different career for 10 years before I decided to switch to law enforcement.”
Officer Cure was sworn in June of 2003. During her tenure Cure planned and executed many K9 searches at Hononegah High School in an effort to prevent drugs from entering the school.
She was a member of the Rockton Police’s A.L.I.C.E. Team, which teaches civilians, school staff and students how to respond to an active intruder situation.
Cure also was a Bike Officer, a Breath Alcohol Operator, and Evidence Officer and a Juvenile Officer.
She became a School Resource Officer (SRO) for the Rockton School District in 2007. In addition, she began teaching DARE to the 5th graders at Whitman Post Elementary. A few years into the 5th grade program, Cure began teaching 7th grade DARE at Stephen Mack Middle School.
“Throughout my career, it was clear to me I was best suited for the Community Policing aspect of police work,” Cure reflects.
“Maybe it was because I was a mom, had a whole “normal” career prior, and was probably older than your average initial hire, but I just always felt I was able to serve the community in the best way possible in that role.”
Cure went beyond her duties as an officer to further serve the community through educational and outreach means.
Cure teamed up with Rockton Police Detective Kiza Davies to teach the public through safety seminars. She was very active in National Night Out events.
Cure also took part in different community oriented events.
“The numerous Bike Rodeos, Ro/Ro Expos, Police Memorial Weeks, Polar Plunges, Car Seat Safety Checks, and other community outreach presentations for 55 Plus or with preschools were personally gratifying to me. Whether I only participated in them, or actually organized them, I always received that positive feedback and support from the citizens and sponsors.”
Cure was awarded and named the American Legion Illinois Officer of the Year in July of 2008. On June 20, 2023 Cure and now Deputy Chief of Police Justin Jobst were recognized for 20 years of service to the Rockton Police Department.
“To me, the community’s positive feedback and affirmation mattered the most,” Cure said. “For me, as a Law Enforcement officer, I worked for the community, and I tried to do it for the community.”
“Nothing I may have been able to personally individually accomplish in this career would have provided the gratification as making a difference in the students and families lives. It wasn’t about me. It was about them.”
Cure was born in Chicago and grew up in Oak Forest Illinois.
“I’ve been blessed since the day I was born with a supportive loving family, ” Cure said. My family has always been my biggest supporters.
“ I was a Competitive athlete. I attended Robert Morris College. Cure went to the Illinois State Police Academy and was awarded the PT Award, being the Most Physically Fit recruit of the class of 480-07.”
“I learned very young to always try my best, and as long as I did that, I should be happy with the outcome of what I was trying.”
“I was always confident about myself in that I did not look to other people for affirmation that I was good enough. I’m not perfect, but I’ve always been fair, honest, loyal with good character and integrity. My parents taught me “if people don’t like you for who you are, it’s their loss”. I’ve lived by that, and have tried to raise my own children that way. I tried my best to encourage the students I’ve taught or come in contact with over the years the same,” Cure said.
At the Hononegah Community High School Board of Education meeting on Dec. 20 HCHS Principal Chad Dougherty said, Officer Penny Cure retired today. She directed traffic on her last day in the midst of an accident.”
“When I was new here she had a warm face. She was always level headed, and a calm force.”
HCHS President Dave Kurlinkus added, “She was a valuable member of the Hononegah family. She will be missed.”
Rockton Police Officer Emily Harrison is the new RSO at HCHS.
“I’ve had a blessed career and loved what I did. I hope anyone who knows me will remember me and know I truly cared about this community and put my heart into the job. I will miss all aspects of it, but will be happy being able to be the caretaker of my family full time once again,” Cure said.
