Cahokia Heights Cleanup Effort Gains Boost From Football Team, Firefighters and Police Officers

CAHOKIA HEIGHTS – The Cahokia Heights Police Department and Cahokia Heights Fire Department joined volunteers, including the Cahokia High School football team, in Operation Fresh Start in Cahokia Heights, Ill., this past week, according to Police Chief Dr. Thomas L. Trice.

Trice said he wanted to thank the Cahokia High School football team for its “support and assistance” in Operation Fresh Start.

“The team held a group huddle prior to hitting the streets and then provided great help,” Dr. Trice said.

Trice was appointed to lead the consolidated police department in May 2025.

The Cahokia Heights Fire Department also commended the football players for their efforts.

“Members of the Cahokia Heights Fire Department traded hoses and turnout gear for trash bags and litter grabbers as they proudly participated in the Cahokia Heights Operation Fresh Start,” the fire department said.

The department said firefighters volunteered their time “to help clean neighborhoods, remove litter, and beautify our city,” adding that the effort was aimed at helping make Cahokia Heights “a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming place for everyone.”

The fire department also thanked “all the firefighters, football players and volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to this important community event.”

“Together, we continue to show that service doesn’t stop when the sirens are silent,” the fire department said.