Village Of Phoenix Il
A Spirit Of Friendship, That Welcomes You.
Welcome to the village of Phoenix web site. Phoenix is a small community located about six miles south of the city of Chicago. We are nestled between two larger towns of South Holland to the east and Harvey to the West.
The town was established in 1900 and was named after the mythical bird that sprung from the ashes in Egyptian mythology. With the founding of our community in 1900, it makes us one of the oldest communities in the Southland. Our nickname is nine blocks which comes close to describing the size of our town.
Residents who live here have done so for generations, it’s a town where Everybody Knows your Name. When you visit Phoenix, you will experience a Spirit of Friendship like no other. If you are ever in the South suburbs, please pay us a visit we would love to see you.
Lt. Walden Bio
PORTRAIT TO FOLLOW…
After graduating from Thornton Township High School, Lt. Walden earned an Associate’s Degree and formally began pursuing a career in criminal justice. His professional journey started in the security industry, where he quickly distinguished himself through leadership, initiative, and operational competence.
During his tenure in private security, Lt. Walden advanced from Security Officer to Lieutenant within the Field Training and Operations Management Division. In this leadership role, he supervised personnel, coordinated daily operations, and oversaw field training initiatives. His responsibilities included mentoring new officers, ensuring policy compliance, managing shift operations, and maintaining high professional standards across his assigned teams.
Lt. Walden later expanded his public safety experience by serving as a Corrections Officer with the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). In this capacity, he was responsible for maintaining institutional security, supervising inmate populations, enforcing departmental regulations, and responding to emergencies within a correctional environment. This role strengthened his skills in crisis management, conflict resolution, and maintaining order in high-pressure situations.
Prior to joining the Phoenix Police Department, Lt. Walden served with another law enforcement agency where he refined the core competencies essential to effective policing. During this period, he gained valuable experience in patrol operations, community engagement, investigative procedures, and interagency collaboration. His performance and leadership potential positioned him for continued advancement within the profession.
Lt. Walden was subsequently appointed to the rank of Lieutenant within the Patrol Division. In his current role, he provides direct supervision and leadership to sworn personnel, oversees daily patrol operations, and ensures adherence to departmental policies and professional standards. He is responsible for operational planning, personnel development, and fostering positive community relationships. His leadership philosophy emphasizes accountability, mentorship, teamwork, and community-oriented policing.
In addition to his supervisory responsibilities, Lt. Walden has completed several specialized certifications that enhance his effectiveness as a law enforcement leader. He is a certified Juvenile Officer and has completed Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training, equipping him to effectively respond to incidents involving youth and individuals experiencing mental health crises. These certifications reflect his commitment to continued professional development and compassionate, informed policing practices.
Lieutenant Walden’s career reflects steady progression, dedication to excellence, and a continued commitment to serving both his department and the community with professionalism and integrity.