Dina Vardal

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Dina Vardal

Dina Vardal is a retired law enforcement officer, military veteran, and proud mother. She grew up in Joliet, Illinois, in a home shaped by Greek and Italian traditions. Her career in public service spans over twenty years, including work as a SWAT officer, firearms instructor, and helicopter mechanic with the National Guard. After retiring from both the police department and the military, she continued to give back to her community as a substitute teacher and an active volunteer. Dina enjoys traveling, particularly to Greece, cooking traditional meals, and tending to her garden.

Immigrant parents raised Dina from different parts of Europe. Her father came from the Greek island of Mykonos, and her mother was from Ferrara, Italy. They settled in Joliet, where her family owned and operated a restaurant called Mykonos Gyros from 1982 to 1989. The restaurant, run by her mother, became a place where community members gathered to share meals and stories. Her father began a business with his brother in 1958, which remains a family-owned engineering company.

Her educational journey began when she joined the Army National Guard at seventeen. She earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in Law Enforcement from Joliet Junior College in 1990. She then graduated Magna Cum Laude from Western Illinois University in 1992 with a major in Law Enforcement Administration and a minor in Accounting. While at Western Illinois University, she served as president of the Law Enforcement and Justice Administration group. Later, despite balancing a full-time career and family life, she earned a Master’s degree in Organizational Development from Benedictine University in 2007.

Dina’s law enforcement career took her through various roles in multiple cities. She became a certified SWAT officer and firearms instructor, teaching concealed carry courses and training new officers. Her calmness and focus under pressure made her a dependable leader. In parallel, she served 22 years as a helicopter mechanic in the Army National Guard, working on several types of helicopters. She also served as a crew chief and physical fitness coordinator. Her military service included tours in Panama and Germany, experiences that broadened her understanding of different cultures.

After retiring, she became a substitute teacher for students in grades one through eight. She volunteers with Meals on Wheels, local food banks, animal shelters, and her church. Dina enjoys gardening, cooking Greek dishes, and reconnecting with her heritage through annual trips to Greece.

Dina Vardal married in 2022 and profoundly values her role as a mother. Her daughter brings her great happiness. Dina has shown a lasting commitment to service, family, and community.

Portfolio: https://dinavardal.com/

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