Eight Western Illinois University law enforcement and justice administration (LEJA) students recently received awards from Go West/McDonough County Transit for their work as Go West security officers.

Nakyah Smith, a sophomore from Chicago, was named “Security Officer of the Semester” for her ability to handle critical situations with professionalism and for excellent performance throughout the semester.

Seth Lewandowski, a senior from West Chicago, was recognized with the “Exceptional Mentorship Award” for going above and beyond his duties as an officer and the hours spent training new probationary officers.

From l-r, Charles Janes, with Cole Anderson, James Gidlund, Kelsey Edwards, Nakyah Smith, Diego Garcia-Sanchez, Timothy Worthem, and Nick Foster, who completed the required probationary period.

Smith, Timothy Worthem, a junior from Hoffman Estates, and Cole Anderson, a junior from Bismarck, were promoted to corporal, and Smith, Worthem, Anderson, James Gidlund, a junior from Algonquin, Kelsey Edwards, a sophomore from Plano, Diego Garcia-Sanchez, a junior from Waukegan, and Nicholas Foster, a junior from Wheaton, completed the required probationary period.

“I am extremely grateful and proud of our officers’ dedication to the job. Our Go West security officers consistently show up every weekend willing and eager to help people in need,” said Go West Security Lt. Charles Janes, a junior law enforcement and justice administration major from Park Ridge. “They play a crucial role in keeping the passengers, drivers and Go West Property secure. I appreciate their excellent work and commitment.”

The Go West Security Program, which began in 2005, was created to provide students an opportunity for a hands-on, practicum-driven experience, while also providing a service to the University community. Currently there are 14 Go West officers participating in the program, working Friday and Saturday evenings. Students interested in becoming a Go West Security Officer should email CA-Janes@wiu.edu for more information. All majors are welcome.

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Sean Leary Director of Digital Media

Sean Leary is an author, director, artist, musician, producer and entrepreneur who has been writing professionally since debuting at age 11 in the pages of the Comics Buyers Guide. An honors graduate of the University of Southern California masters program, he has written over 50 books including the best-sellers The Arimathean, Every Number is Lucky to Someone and We Are All Characters.