About Dina Vardal
Dina Vardal is a retired law enforcement officer, military veteran, and proud mother. She grew up in a home influenced by Greek and Italian traditions in Joliet, Illinois. Her career includes over two decades in public service, working as a SWAT officer, firearms instructor, and helicopter mechanic with the National Guard. After retiring from the police department and military, she continued to give back as a substitute teacher and active volunteer in her community. She spends time traveling, especially to Greece, enjoys cooking traditional meals, and finds joy in maintaining her garden.
Dina was born and raised in Joliet. She, a certified SWAT officer, was raised by immigrant parents who came from different parts of Europe. Her father was from the Greek island of Mykonos, and her mother came from Ferrara, Italy. They met in Joliet and made that their home.
Growing up, her family owned and operated a restaurant called Mykonos Gyros from 1982 to 1989. The restaurant was run by her mother, Danira, and was a place where community members gathered and shared meals and stories. Her father, Denis, established a business with his brother in Joliet in 1958. The business, Vardal Engineering, is still owned and operated by the family today.
