On a recent Galesburg’s Morning News episode on WGIL, aired Aug. 9, 2025, Galesburg Police Chief Kevin Legate and Sgt. James Kubis, president of the Police Benevolent & Protective Association Unit 19, discussed the upcoming Galesburg Policeman’s Ball, set for 6-9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23 at the Knights of Columbus Hall. The event, revived by an anonymous citizen to foster informal community-police ties, features the band Even Steven and offers $10 tickets available from officers or at the door, aiming to benefit the PBPA and potentially become an annual tradition. Kubis highlighted PBPA’s community efforts, including sponsoring youth baseball teams, the Youth Fishing Derby, Shop with a Cop, the Bill Herrin Scholarship, and the reviving Police Explorers program for ages 14-21. Chief Legate noted recent successes like National Night Out with over 35 vendors and a fully staffed, diverse department, with upcoming collaboration at the NAACP Cookout on Saturday, Aug. 9, signaling strong community support.
