Dina Vardal
Retired Police Officer, Substitute Teacher
Oak Park, IL
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Summary
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 more than twenty years, during which she worked 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 serve her community as a substitute teacher and an active volunteer. She enjoys traveling, especially to Greece, cooking traditional meals, and caring for her garden.
Dina was raised by immigrant parents who came from different parts of Europe. Her father came from the Greek island of Mykonos, and her mother was from Ferrara, Italy. They met and settled in Joliet, where her family ran a restaurant called Mykonos Gyros from 1982 to 1989. Her mother operated the restaurant, a gathering place for the community. Meanwhile, her father started a family-run engineering company with his brother in 1958.
Her educational journey began with joining the Army National Guard at age seventeen. She earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in Law Enforcement from Joliet Junior College in 1990, followed by a bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement Administration with a minor in Accounting from Western Illinois University in 1992. While in college, she led the Law Enforcement and Justice Administration group and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Later, she completed a Master’s degree in Organizational Development from Benedictine University in 2007.
Her law enforcement career took her to multiple cities and roles, including becoming a certified SWAT officer and firearms instructor. She also trained new officers, emphasizing readiness and calmness under pressure. In the military, she served 22 years as a helicopter mechanic with the 106th Aviation Unit and took on additional duties such as crew chief and physical fitness coordinator. She participated in tours in Panama and Germany, experiences that broadened her understanding of different cultures.
After retiring from public service, she worked as a substitute teacher for students in grades one through eight. She has also dedicated time to volunteering with organizations like Meals on Wheels, local food banks, animal shelters, and her church community. At home, she enjoys gardening, cooking, and staying connected to her heritage through travel.
Dina Vardal married in 2022 and cherishes her role as a mother to her daughter, who brings her great joy. Her life reflects a continued commitment to service, family, and community.
Experience
Army National Guard
106th Aviation Unit
Education
Benedictine University
Master’s degree in Organizational Development
Western Illinois University
Bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement Administration
