Rockford police chief and board recognize RPS graduate Kaylee Wilhelms as department cadet hire

Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd and the Rockford Public Schools Board of Education recognized Kaylee Wilhelms during the meeting for her acceptance into a newly created Rockford Police Department cadet position. Chief Carla Redd said Kaylee, an RPS and Rock Valley College graduate, earned both a high school diploma and an associate degree in close succession and later graduated from Western Illinois University in 2024. Redd said she created a cadet position so Kaylee could remain connected to the department while she waits until 2026 to meet the age requirement to test for the police academy. "I created a position, cadet, which is something we've never had," Redd said, adding she wanted to "make the investment" in Kaylee. Kaylee Wilhelms spoke to the board, thanking members and saying, "I plan to do my whole career here, and I can't wait to start." The chief and the district said the recognition reflects local partnerships linking Rockford Public Schools, Rock Valley College and the Rockford Police Department; the chief noted ongoing conversations with Superintendent Jared Spearman about the local RPS–RVC–RPD connection. No board action was required; this agenda item was a recognition and ceremonial presentation.