SOUTH ROXANA/ROXANA - Lauren Clendenen, a Roxana High School graduate, is serving the South Roxana community in two public safety roles as a full-time South Roxana police officer and a volunteer lieutenant with the South Roxana Fire Department after completing 16 weeks in the police academy at Southwestern Illinois College.
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Clendenen said she has been a volunteer firefighter with the South Roxana Fire Department for about three years and is now a lieutenant on the fire team. She also works full-time as a patrol officer for the South Roxana Police Department.
“I have always wanted to be a police officer,” Clendenen said.
Her path into public service grew out of deep roots in the community. Clendenen is a Roxana High School graduate who said she was active in sports and activities while growing up, including softball at Roxana High School, recreational softball, dance, and volleyball.
She said she “loved growing up and attending Roxana High School” and that it “made a big difference” in her life now as an adult.
Clendenen said loving the work is central to how she approaches both the police and fire jobs. She is a rarity who serves as both a firefighter and a police officer.
“I think it makes a huge difference if you love your job,” she said. “If you love your job, it is something you get excited about.”
She said her connection to residents is one of the most meaningful parts of serving in South Roxana.
“I love all my community people and want to keep them safe,” Clendenen said. “I enjoy talking and working with kids to keep them safe.”
She said it “feels great” when community members know her and feel comfortable approaching her, whether for medical concerns or simply to communicate information.
“I’m glad they feel safe and comfortable talking to me,” she said.
South Roxana Police Chief Bob Coles said he hired Clendenen because of her ties to the area and her approach to police work.
“She has such a good personality, hometown girl, went to Roxana,” Coles said. He said he wanted to “give her a good opportunity for a career in law enforcement.”
Coles said Clendenen had served on the fire department before becoming a police officer and said she is “doing great with the police force and learning and doing a remarkable job.”
South Roxana Fire Chief Rob Kelly also recognized Clendenen’s recent milestone in a public statement about her graduation from the SWIC Police Academy.
“It was an honor to watch our very own firefighter, Lauren Clendenen, walk across the stage at SWIC after completing 16 rigorous weeks in the police academy,” Kelly said.
Kelly said Clendenen had taken “another remarkable step in her journey of service to the South Roxana community, not only as a firefighter, but now as a police officer as well.”
Chief Kelly praised Lauren for her “dedication, determination, and commitment to making a difference” and said her “hard work and passion exemplify what it means to serve with heart and courage.”
Kelly added, “We are incredibly proud of you, Lauren, and excited to see all the great things you will accomplish in the future.”
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