Mokena Police Staffer Sworn in as President of State Association

Article Summary: Sarah McCarthy, an Administrative Assistant with the Mokena Police Department, has been sworn in as the 2026 President of the Illinois Law Enforcement Administrative Professionals Association (IL-LEAP).

IL-LEAP Appointment Key Points:

• Sarah McCarthy will serve as the 2026 President of IL-LEAP.

• She previously served the organization as Secretary and Vice President.

• The 2026 Board includes representatives from Fox Valley, Normal, and Joliet Junior College police departments.

• Mokena Detective Darin McVicker provided a presentation on financial crimes at the event.

The Mokena Police Department announced that Administrative Assistant Sarah McCarthy has been sworn in as the President of the Illinois Law Enforcement Administrative Professionals Association (IL-LEAP) for 2026.

McCarthy brings prior leadership experience to the role, having previously served as the organization’s Secretary and Vice President. In her new capacity, she will represent the Mokena Police Department while continuing to support law enforcement administrative professionals across Illinois.

The swearing-in event included remarks from Mokena Police Chief Benton, who expressed support for the organization. Additionally, Mokena Detective Darin McVicker delivered a presentation to the membership regarding financial crimes, scams, and cryptocurrency.

The department also announced the full slate of the 2026 IL-LEAP Board:

• Vice President: Silvia Villanueva (Fox Valley Police Department)

• Secretary: Cassandra Austin (Normal Police Department)

• Treasurer: Leanne Schloesser (Joliet Junior College Police Department)

Leadership recognized the service of Jenny Janis from the Plainfield Police Department, who served as the immediate past president. Despite snowy weather conditions, members attended the event both in person and via Zoom.