Tracy Lillard was raised on a farm in rural Champaign County, the oldest of three children. She followed her dream to be a police officer and became an Illinois State Trooper in 2001. She worked 3.5 years in Chicago on the Illinois Tollway where she met her husband, Tom, a fellow state trooper. They returned to rural Villa Grove and work on the Interstates and surrounding roadways in the State Police District 10. After 11 years as a ‘road dog’, Tracy now serves as the Safety Education Officer and Media Liaison for the district.
Q: I heard you talk about myths on your bit on Mix 94.5. What myths about police would you like to dispel here?
All cops do enjoy a donut from time to time, however, the Illinois State Police has strenuous physical requirements and yearly fitness testing, so it’s a must to stay in shape. All three of my children were delivered by Cesarean and my recovery and weight loss, which was slow, focused on getting back into my uniform, which included running, weight lifting, and cardio (P90X). I gained 60, 48, and 40 pounds of baby weight, respectivelywith my girls, and I knew it was necessary to get back into the physical shape I was pre-baby because of how physically demanding our job is. Our uniform alone weighs approximately 20 pounds, so it’s like a workout just wearing it daily. Fitness (not donuts) is a part of our lifestyle.
Hand’s down, “Have you ever shot anyone?” is the most asked question. After countless presentations to both children and adults, I address this by starting my question and answer session with the following; “No, I’ve never shot anyone. Yes, we wear this hat outside. No, you can’t touch my gun. Yes, these shoes are shiny. No, you can’t drive my squad car. No, I will not handcuff you.” Kids ask great questions and I really enjoy teaching them not to be afraid of the police and that we are there to help them. Children’s perceptions of the police are oftenskewed by their parents. For example, parents may say, “If you don’t behave at dinner, that police man is going to take you to jail” as they point at me. It’s the worst possible thing you can tell a child. They may be hurt or lost, and now afraid to approach a police officer, the very person that can help them. I wish the kids would ask me more about how to stay safe.
Q: What are the most important safety tips you have for parents?
Drive your car safely because both you and your children are precious cargo, which can not be replaced. Don’t drink and drive. Don’t speed. Don’t text and drive. Buckle your children in appropriate child restraints and/or seat belts. Avoid moving them out of the booster seat too soon. The law is at least 8 years old. Don’t let them ride in the front seat until age 13. (For additional information, you can contact www.nhtsa.gov.) Remember, vehicles are deadly weapons, killing approximately 40,000 people each year nationwide. Move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles. Two troopers have been struck and killed by semis in the past five months, which is absolutely unacceptable. Please do your part to keep, you, your family, and emergency personnel safe on the road.
Q: What do your kids think of your job?
Our children thought ALL parents wore police uniforms to work. They didn’t know any better. They still do not understand the potential danger we may encounter on a daily basis. The girls know we help people, write tickets, handle traffic crashes, etc. Our 4-year-old says, “Daddy, are you going to go ‘cop that guy’?” She means arrest, but it’s so cute we don’t want to correct her. For fun at family holiday gatherings, our girls perform correct handcuffing procedures and verbiage (in no particular order)….”Get down on the ground, put your hands behind your back, don’t look at me, show me your hands!, etc”. It’s quite entertaining.
Q: What do you do when you’re not in uniform?
Our job is stressful to say the least. So, during my ‘non uniform’ time, I enjoy cooking, landscaping, mowing the 8.5-acre yard, watching reality TV, shopping and vacationing. Three years ago I began the best stress therapy…selling Premier Designs Jewelry at home shows. I wear a ‘male’ uniform daily, so this allows me to show my female side by getting all dressed up to hang out with girls, eat brownies, and laugh. I enjoy it so much. It’s the complete opposite of my daily work and it gives me a chance to unwind. I’m also busy raising three young girls to be fashionistas and jewelry divas.
Once again, thank you to Prairie Gardens for their generous sponsorship of our Chambana Moms to Know in April. Want to nominate a Chambana Mom to Know? Send us your nominations today!