Elgin Police officer praised for purchasing Halloween costumes for two young residents

ELGIN — Last week, Elgin Police Department Chief Ana Lalley received an email from a community member regarding an encounter she and her children had with Elgin Police officer Reyna Cortes.

According to the resident, who remained unnamed, the positive experience began when she was out shopping with her two young children at the Walmart Supercenter located at 1100 Randall Road in Elgin, on the evening of Oct. 14.

While waiting in the checkout line, the resident’s 4-year-old daughter attempted to put the Halloween costume she had chosen together with the items of the person in front of them.

That person happened to be Officer Cortes, who was not in uniform at that time.

“I told my daughter while it would be nice to have someone pay for it, it was unlikely to happen and we would need to wait for our turn,” explained the resident in her email to Lalley.

Much to the resident’s surprise, however, Cortes told the cashier to ring up both of the resident’s children’s costumes with the rest of her items.

“I was in shock. Never have I had someone pay for more than a cup of coffee at Starbucks. We had $35 worth of costumes. I found out afterward while talking with Officer Cortes that she was employed by [the Elgin Police Department]. I felt it was necessary to reach out and share this awesome community interaction moment with your department,” stated the resident in her email.

Lalley went on to express her appreciation for Cortes and all other members of the Elgin Police Department who, “behind the scenes, quietly do extraordinary acts of kindness that I often see,” she said.

The resident also shared that her children were very touched by Cortes’ actions that day, which left an impression on them that they will not forget any time soon.