Trooper Talk Ep. 021 | Bonnie Heinking & Marilyn Gliebe: Behind the Badge
From Trooper Talk · 01:03:22
Show by Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation
For decades, Bonnie Heinking and Marilyn Gliebe helped keep the Illinois State Police moving forward from behind the scenes.In this episode of Trooper Talk, retired Illinois State Trooper Flynn Hanners sits down with Bonnie and Marilyn to look back on their remarkable careers and the changes they witnessed throughout the history of the Illinois State Police.Marilyn began her state career in 1960 with the Department of Public Safety before eventually working in the director’s office. Over the years, she experienced the department’s transition from Public Safety to the Department of Law Enforcement and ultimately to the Illinois State Police. She worked alongside numerous directors, handled everything from scheduling and administrative responsibilities to the department’s drug testing program, and became a familiar constant through decades of change.Bonnie joined the Illinois State Police Academy in 1971 after previously working for IDOT. During her career, she served in numerous roles at the Academy, including reception, firearms recordkeeping, fleet responsibilities, and later work with the Bureau of Alcohol Testing and Certification. She shares memories of the people, commanders, cadets, and daily responsibilities that helped support generations of Illinois State Troopers.Bonnie and Marilyn also reflect on how much the Illinois State Police changed during their careers, from changing department names and letterhead to new facilities, technology, training programs, and opportunities within the agency.The conversation includes stories from the Illinois State Armory, the evolution of the ISP Academy, memorable coworkers and directors, and the countless employees whose work behind the scenes makes it possible for troopers to serve communities across Illinois.Despite working within the same agency for more than two decades, Bonnie and Marilyn didn’t truly become close friends until after retirement, another example of the lifelong connections created through the Illinois State Police.Both women agree that, given the opportunity, they would do it all over again.Listen to this episode of Trooper Talk for a unique look at Illinois State Police history through the eyes of two women whose combined careers span more than 70 years of service, change, friendship, and dedication.00:00 – Meet Bonnie Heinking and Marilyn Gliebe01:36 – Marilyn Begins Her State Career in 196003:22 – Bonnie’s Journey to the Illinois State Police Academy07:10 – Marilyn’s Early Years at the Illinois State Armory09:26 – The Evolution of the Illinois State Police13:51 – Working in the Director’s Office and ISP Drug Testing18:52 – Bonnie’s Memorable “Captain Oliver” Story26:30 – Why Bonnie and Marilyn Stayed With ISP40:51 – Decades of Change Behind the Scenes55:15 – Would They Do It All Over Again?
More episodes
- Trooper Talk Ep. 020 | Jim Paul & Mike Schneider: Stories from ISP District 9
- Trooper Talk Ep. 019 | Jack Ryan: From 1957 Patrol to ISP Academy Leadership
- Trooper Talk Ep. 018 | A Father-Son Legacy in the Illinois State Police
- Trooper Talk Ep. 017 | From the Basketball Court to the ISP Uniform
- Trooper Talk Ep. 016 | Pat Kelly: Training, Mentorship & Supporting Illinois State Police
- Trooper Talk Ep. 015 | Bill O’Sullivan: Organized Crime, Vietnam & ISP Leadership
- Trooper Talk Ep. 001 | Don Norton: Building the Modern Illinois State Police
- Trooper Talk Ep. 002 | The Origins of the Illinois State Police with Kevin Hughes
- Trooper Talk Ep. 003 | The History and Legacy of the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation with Kevin Hughes
- Trooper Talk Ep. 004 | Breaking Barriers: Colonel Teresa Kettelkamp’s Illinois State Police Career
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