60Dina Vardal is a retired law enforcement officer, military veteran, and devoted mother whose life has been shaped by service, family, and tradition. She was raised in Joliet, Illinois, in a home influenced by her Greek and Italian heritage, which instilled resilience, faith, and pride in community. Over two decades, she dedicated herself to public service, working as a SWAT officer, firearms instructor, and helicopter mechanic, before turning to teaching and volunteering after retirement.
Her upbringing was marked by the strong work ethic of her immigrant parents. Her father came from Mykonos, Greece, and her mother from Ferrara, Italy, building a life together in Joliet. The family owned Mykonos Gyros in the 1980s, a restaurant where friends and neighbors gathered to share meals and stories. Her father also established Vardal Engineering in 1958, a business that still operates today, reflecting the family’s enduring dedication to community.
At 17, Dina began her path of service by enlisting in the Army National Guard. While serving, she earned an associate degree in Law Enforcement from Joliet Junior College, then graduated Magna Cum Laude from Western Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement Administration. Years later, she pursued a master’s degree in Organizational Development at Benedictine University, balancing academic goals with the demands of a career and family.
Her law enforcement career was both challenging and fulfilling. As a SWAT officer, she demonstrated skill and courage in demanding situations. She also served as a firearms instructor, teaching safety and responsibility, while mentoring recruits. Alongside this, she served 22 years in the National Guard, working on Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters, rising to crew chief, and serving as fitness coordinator. Deployments to Panama and Germany enriched her perspective and strengthened her leadership skills.
In retirement, Dina Vardal brought her structure and compassion into education, working as a substitute teacher for grades one through eight. She enjoys traveling, particularly to Greece, and finds joy in gardening, scuba diving, and cooking traditional Greek meals for loved ones. In 2022, she married Noe DeLeon Jr., and her daughter, Danira, born in 2013, remains the greatest blessing of her life, filling her days with joy, meaning, and love.