Officer of the Month - August 2011: Robert Kellam

As an 11-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, Bob Kellam has been awarded the Lifesaving Award for saving a young mother and child from a burning building.  He has received five Department Commendations and more than 75 Honorable Mentions. On a daily basis, he works the streets of Chicago’s 009th District as a Tactical Officer. Bob played soccer growing up and in college at the University of Illinois – Springfield. He also started the Chicago Police soccer team seven years ago, which participates in local and national charity matches raising funds for organizations throughout North America. Using his love of soccer, Bob created K.I.C.K.S. (Keeping Inner City Kids Safe) as a healthy and safe alternative for local at-risk youth. K.I.C.K.S. provides free soccer clinics for inner city children in conjunction with community policing events, providing an opportunity for children to play soccer and interact with local police officers. 

Bob was recently selected by Major League Soccer (MLS) to be a Community MVP.  One Community MVP was chosen to represent each MLS club and will be recognized for their outstanding dedication and commitment to making a difference and improving their local communities.