Page 24 - March 2022

My View: Meet a strong woman
Marikay O’Brien
Though she may be little, she is fierce
When tasked with writing an article for the Issue of Lodge 7 Magazine celebrating Women’s History Month, I knew exact- ly who I wanted everyone to know: Officer Esli Kilponen, Star #8919 14th District, 3rd Watch.
When I first met Officer Esli Kilponen, she was a recruit on her first day at the training academy, and I was an instructor. I noticed what most people notice: her height. She has a small frame and stands 4’11”. Although she may be smaller in stature, people should make no mistake about her capabilities. She is one of the best police officers this city has. In my 30-plus years, I haven’t met anyone who measures up to her. No one even comes close. She is a badass.
Women are often judged when they choose to be a police of- ficer. Typically, being a career for men, sometimes women must prove themselves in a way that men don’t.
I have always felt that being a woman could be used to our advantage. I often felt in certain situations that offenders looked at women as not as threatening and complied with what was being asked of them because their manhood wasn’t in question.
Esli Kilponen is the perfect combination of all the things that add up to being an outstanding police officer. She is smart, tac- tically strong, mentally and physically strong, and passionate about her job. She trains a lot and is just a good, kind human being.
I asked her some questions and feel that her answers give you a better sense of who she is.
Tell us about yourself.
I have 91⁄2 years on the job. I’m 37 years of age and blissfully married to Evan Kilponen, who has been a Chicago Police SWAT officer for 15 years. I am the oldest of five kids, but my mom says she has six because she adores Evan.
I was born in Ukranian Village/Noble Square but raised in Ra- venswood in Section 8 housing, which was gang infested with Latin Kings. I never noticed any crime then, even though look- ing back, it was there. My mom made sure I didn’t get wrapped up in that nonsense. She was very involved with my school (what up, Ravenswood Elementary!), which means she was very involved with me. Luckily, I was definitely a nerd at heart and loved learning.
I personally never had any interaction with the police but did have family members who expressed not liking the police. I never knew why, and I still don’t. Living in such a bad area, I can honestly say I never noticed them either. I was too engrossed in academics, I guess. I also paid no attention to those who I thought were the bad elements. I kept my distance and made sure I was always doing what I should be doing.
Why did you become a police officer?
Funny story: Before becoming the police, I was a database administrator/programmer. I loved my career at the time. I worked for a great company with great benefits, considering it was a private-sector job. My husband was also in IT but was looking for a change. In 2010 he heard a CPD entrance exam
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was going to be given and asked if I wanted to take it with him. I said “Sure, why not?” While I did love my career, I found it in- triguing to get out behind from behind the desk. Before that day, I had never considered being a police officer.
We both got called in June 2012 to start the process. We went through the hiring process together. We went through every sin- gle step together. I received my notice report in the beginning of October 2012, with him following at the end of the same month. The academy was interesting, which I’m sure every police of- ficer can attest to. Our strategy going in was just to keep our mouths shut, listen, observe and do what you are told. I expect a lot of myself so whatever I was asked to do, I was trying to be my best and then some.
Going through the academy with my husband was great. A lot of people thought we were brother and sister. How? I have no clue, but we got a good laugh out of it. It was a benefit to go through the academy together. We were able to vent about our days (you know what I mean) and we got to share a lot of infor- mation (wink wink).
Becoming a police officer just happened, but I believe every- thing happens for a reason. It wasn’t my dream job, but now I absolutely love my job even with the current mounting pres- sures that come along with it.