George Pradel
Class of 1955Alumni Recognition Award, 1997
George Pradel is a living testament to the fact that it is not the size of the man that makes the difference, but the size of the heart that is the true measure of a man's life. George Pradel, presently the mayor of Naperville, stands 5'6 and 1/2" tall. As a young man, George was too small to play on the football team or the basketball team. He was not, however, too small to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1956-59.
Mayor Pradel returned to Naperville where he met and married Patricia Burke in 1960. The Pradels had three children. Young George had a dream of becoming a police officer. Unfortunately, the Naperville Department had a minimum height requirement for all of its officers. That height requirement was a full five inches taller (5'11") than George. Fortunately for George, and for Naperville, there were those who saw through, or over, the height requirement. Mayor Pradel credits Naperville High School graduate Harold Moser with having the courage to set aside the policy and give him the opportunity to become a member of the Naperville Police Department. On June 1, 1966, a new career was born. The community of Naperville has forever been in Mr. Moser's debt.
Officer Pradel, and later "Officer Friendly" is, to an entire generation of young people in Naperville, a symbol of community caring and good cheer. Thousands of young Naperville "big wheelers" learned the rules of safety from George Pradel. He has been the recipient of many commendations, awards, and letters of merit, from both local and state agencies.
"Officer" Pradel retired from the Naperville Police Department in the early 1990's, but his service to Naperville has not stopped. In April of 1995, George Pradel, with the urging of his old friend and mentor, Harold Moser, ran for and was elected mayor of Naperville. He continues to be a symbol for community pride and the spirit.
MAYOR PRADEL'S MESSAGE TO STUDENTS: Prepare for the future by telling yourself that you can do whatever you seek to accomplish by hard work, preparation and the emphasis on education.
