The Antioch Police Department announced the death of a retired police officer, who was the department’s first female police sergeant and spent over 20 years serving the community.
The police department said Friday it was “with deep sadness and sorrow” to announce that former Antioch Police Sergeant Dawn Geraty had died.
Geraty began her career with the department on July 12, 1993, as a patrol officer.
Geraty served in several capacities, including as a field training officer, evidence technician, juvenile officer, traffic crash investigator and detective.
She was promoted in 2014 to sergeant, which was a significant moment for the department, officials said.
Geraty was the first woman in department history to be promoted to the rank.
She served the community as a patrol sergeant until her retirement in October 2016 after serving 23 years.
“Sergeant Geraty was both a resource and a mentor for me and many of our officers during her distinguished career,” Antioch Police Chief Geoffrey Guttschow said.
“Her affable personality and willingness to share the lessons she learned during her career with younger police officers were among the many traits that left a lasting impression on the Department,” Guttschow said.
“I ask the entire Antioch community to join in honoring Sergeant Geraty for her many years of dedicated service, having spent much of her adult life serving and protecting our community. She will be missed by all of us who had the privilege of serving alongside her,” he added.
Simkins Funeral Home is coordinating funeral services for Geraty.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home, which is located at 6251 Dempster Street in Morton Grove.
A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday.