By Dan Rozek
Chicago Sun-Times
NAPERVILLE, Ill. — When Naperville police Officer Donald “D.J.’' Andries answered a call, his 6-foot-5-inch frame and his relaxed demeanor just seemed to put people at ease.
“He always had a smile on his face. He could always calm a situation down,’' recalled Naperville police Cmdr. Mike Anders.
Mr. Andries, 47, a 16-year veteran of the west suburban police department, died Saturday in his home, officials said.
Described by some co-workers as a “gentle giant,’' Mr. Andries worked as a patrol officer, covering a beat on Naperville’s south side for more than five years. He still found time to participate in other specialized assignments, including serving as a field training officer for new officers, participating in the department’s ceremonial Honor Guard and also working on its Elderly Services Team, which provides a range of assistance to older residents.
“He was just a fixture in Naperville,’' said Ray McGury, a former police commander who worked with Mr. Andries. “He was real low-key, always real calm.’'
Mr. Andries also participated in a community reading program that teamed police officers with young students in Naperville School District 203.
Mr. Andries had volunteered for several years at Scott School in Naperville, stopping by the building to read with students and serve as a role model for them, Anders said.
“He helped out a lot in the community,’' Anders said. “He’s a good officer. He’s a good guy.’'
Naperville Mayor George Pradel ordered flags lowered to half-staff at city hall and the police department in honor of Mr. Andries.
“He just was a policeman’s policeman,’' said Pradel, a former Naperville police officer who had worked with Andries. “My heart is broken.’'
Pradel praised Mr. Andries for doing things for the community “that don’t get a lot of publicity.’'
His two sons, Tim and Brian, are both serving in the U.S. Army.
He is also survived by his wife, Mary.
Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. today at the Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home in Naperville. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Naperville.
Copyright 2008 Chicago Sun-Times