ROCHELLE — Area residents south of Rochelle were on edge for a few days last month when a fugitive from Mendota was on the loose near Sandwich and was considered dangerous.
What they might not know is that a Rochelle police officer and K9 partner played a big role in helping locate and capture the man on the run.
During Monday night’s Rochelle City Council meeting, city manager Jeff Fiegenschuh shared that officer Ryan Beery and K9 Axel were called into action to help with the search and the two were lauded for their efforts.
“Officer Beery and K9 Axel were requested by LaSalle County authorities to help in the search,” Fiegenschuh explained. “They helped with some tracking and also helping contain certain areas.”
Fiegenschuh added that due to some environmental safety issues, Beery and Axel were called off and weren’t actually involved in the apprehension of the subject, but they left quite an impression on colleagues.
“We heard that officer Beery and Axel did a great job,” he said. “Not only with the fine work they did, but also with Beery’s handling of the K9 and Axel’s cooperation and behavior the entire time.”

Neither Beery or Axel could be present at Monday night’s meeting, so Rochelle Police Chief Eric Higby accepted a certificate for the pair, and Fiegenschuh confirmed after the meeting the importance of having a K9 on staff.
“In other communities where I’ve worked I have seen the benefits of having K9 staff,” he added. “They are great assets not only in the police work they do, but also with community policing and public relations.”
Messer, Isley honored
Two other city staff members were honored on Monday night including assistant to city manager and deputy clerk Sue Messer, and superintendent of streets and cemetery Tim Isley.
Messer, who filled in as interim city manager prior to Fiegenschuh behing hired, was recognized for her ongoing efforts as furthering her education that help benefit her on the job.
“Sue is working hard on earning her municipal clerk designation,” he explained. “The laws are changing all the time and she takes it upon herself to take courses and stay up with that. She is a real go-getter.”
Isley was also recognized for his recent graduation from the Illinois Public Service Institute for Public Works, which was a three-year program out of Springfield.
“The course work Tim completed includes a management leadership program, problem solving and citizen involvement,” Fiegenschuh explained. “Tim works hard for the city and this was a big deal.”