SPOON RIVER VALLEY FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE LODGE #427

LOCAL HISTORY OF SPOON RIVER VALLEY FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE LODGE #427

LOCAL

Since 2020 Spoon River Valley FOP Lodge #427 has served Fulton County, Illinois and surrounding counties with membership services in support of our State and National organization.

Our history

On September 30, 2020, seven (7) retired and active police officers, including Ike Hackett, Scott DeFord (Ret. Fulton Co), Karl Williams (Ret. Fulton Co), Randy Zimmerman (Ret. Canton PD), Chris Darsham (Chief Farmington PD) Andy Steck and Tim Herink (Farmington PD) sat down with IL FOP State President Chris Southwood in the Council Chambers of Farmington City Hall and discussed the formation of an FOP Lodge that would be countywide. President Southwood informed us we needed to have ten (10) members to charter a Lodge, so on October 20, 2020, we held a membership drive meeting at Wallace Park in Canton. We gained an additional twenty-six (26) members and held an installation of Officers. On December 14, 2020 we held another membership drive meeting and Mason County Sheriff's Office joined. Then, on January 1, 2021 Spoon River Valley FOP Lodge 427 received our National FOP Charter and we hit the ground running. From January 2021 to August 2023 SRV FOP Lodge 427 has grown to 300+ members, covering 15 counties and 50 agencies, becoming the largest downstate FOP Lodge in Illinois. If you are wondering the number 427 was chosen because it is a big block Chevrolet motor with power. And as the saying goes, the rest is history.

From the beginning

Where we are now

Spoon River Valley Lodge #427 began operation in 2020, and today serves 15 counties located in downstate Illinois.

We serve police officers, corrections officers, telecommunicators and their families throughout downstate Illinois communities.

Executive Board

President

Ike Hackett

I am Donald "Ike" Hackett. I am a retired Sergeant with the Fulton County Sheriff's Office after serving a twenty-seven-year career. I have the humble honor of serving as President of Spoon River Valley FOP Lodge 427, since its charter on January 1, 2021. My wife (Linda) and I reside in Lewistown.

Treasurer

Randy Zimmerman

My name is Randall “Randy” Zimmerman. I am a retired Lieutenant from the Canton Police Department, with 27+ years of service. I was contacted by retired Fulton County Sgt. Ike Hackett in the fall of 2020, regarding establishing a Local FOP Lodge. Seven of us met at the Farmington Police Department, along with Illinois FOP President Chris Southwood. We decided to go further with our mission, which was to take care of our brothers and sisters in Law Enforcement, both active and retired. At that 1st meeting, I was nominated to be the Treasurer for our newly established FOP Lodge. I have held that position since its inception. Some of our goals are to provide scholarships for children of our members, help our members during medical emergencies, continue our camaraderie between active and retired members and provide positive public feedback for our Law Enforcement community.

Sgt. At Arms

Rob Whiteman

I am Rob Whiteman and your Lodge 427 Sgt. At Arms. I was a lodge trustee for Knox County Sheriffs Department Corrections before being elected onto the executive board in at the end of 2024. It is a pleasure to serve our members. Please reach out if you need anything.

1st Vice President

Andy Steck

I’ve been with the Farmington Police department for 19 yrs. I am the first K-9 Officer Farmington has had. I am a sergeant, FTO Supervisor, Taser Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Narcan Instructor, Elderly Service Officer. I am the 1st VP of our lodge and my main goal is to help any or all agencies, officers, deputies, dispatchers, corrections or retirees that are in need in one way or another. As we say ALL FOR ONE. We have put together and helped with benefits, Cops on the rooftop, Golf outing, Christmas Meals and help cook for Knox Co. Sheriff’s Office. Hopefully we can get out and hit other departments. With these times upon us we all need to have each other’s backs.

Secretary

Amanda Onken

I began my career in 2006 at the Mason County Sheriff’s Office as a part time corrections officer. I was hired full time in 2007. I was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2014. In my off time I enjoy spending time with my 3 lap dogs and camping. I have been a member of Spoon River Valley Lodge since it began and was the 1 st trustee for Mason County. I became secretary in 2021. I really enjoy serving this lodge as your secretary. I’m always just a text or call away so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all.

2nd Vice President

Scott DeFord

My name is Scott DeFord. I began my law enforcement career in 1985 when I turned 21 as a part time police officer for the city of Lewistown. During 1986 and 87 I worked as a full time Dispatcher for the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. In February of 1988 I was hired as a police officer for Western Illinois University of Public Safety and attended the basic police academy at the University of Illinois. I spent eight years working for WIU Office of Public Safety. In 1995 I was hired as a deputy for the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. I retired in 2015 after twenty years at the sheriff’s office and thirty total years in law enforcement. I was extremely upset with how my brothers and sisters in law enforcement were being treated and attacked. When approached by Ike Hackett about starting a FOP lodge, I jumped at the chance for an opportunity to speak for my brothers and sisters in law enforcement. I was first elected as the Sergeant of Arms when we began Spoon River lodge and have since been elected as the 2nd Vice President. I have since been appointed to the Legislative Committee and Labor Committee for the State FOP lodge. I look forward to continuing to be a voice for the law enforcement community.

Service and Membership Support

The Awards Program is something that our Lodge takes very seriously, because officers go most of their career without so much as a "thank you" for their service and sacrifice.

Recognition of Service

SRV FOP Lodge 427 Fraternalism Award presented to Steve Howerter for assisting in Hurricane Helena relief in Unicoi County Tennessee.

Recognition of Service

IL FOP Life Saving award presentation to Fulton County Sheriff Jon Web.

Easterseals Telethon

Members of our Lodge volunteering their time at the Easterseals of Central Illinois telethon.

Lewistown Christmas Tree Sponsorship

Members of the board at the annual Lewistown Christmas Tree event at the courthouse with the lodge sponsored Christmas tree.