Hibernian Radio welcomes John O’Connor, a retired Chicago Police Sergeant with a rich South Side Irish heritage. John shares his remarkable journey from growing up in St. Clair parish to serving in the Chicago Police Department for over 25 years, and now teaching psychologyand coaching football at Mount Carmel High School. With a career as diverse as Chicago itself, John brings a unique perspective to education. As he notes, the transition from law enforcement to teaching isn’t as different as you might think. “The similarities between the Chicago Police Department and Mount Carmel are overwhelming,” John explains. Mount Carmel Vice President Bill Nolan has been instrumental to my transitioning from the police and even joked on my first day, “this isn’t the police department, you have to stay here for the entire day” – a sentiment that perfectly lampoons the CPD and John’s lifelong commitment to service and community. “Every morning rain, snow, cold or cold Bill and I stand our post in front of the school to make sure the buses can pull in and our students arrive safely. Everywhere I have worked people are still the same!” The episode also explores John’s family history, including his grandfather’s immigration from Ireland and his family’s deep roots in law enforcement and public service. From walking the beat to coaching football, John’s story is a testament to the power of dedication, mentorship, and character building. A compelling story of family, service, and dedication, John O’Connor embodies the spirit of Chicago’s Irish community. Special thanks to our sponsors making this episode possible: Flood Brothers Disposal, Madden Funds, Local 150 Operating Engineers and Fox’s Pizza!
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