Willowbrook sophomore Marli Smrz, who hit for the cycle with a homer, triple, double and single and had five RBIs in a win over Hinsdale South, is the Suburban Life Athlete of the Week in an online vote. Here is her Q&A with Joshua Welge.

Gallery

My Suburban Life honors and salutes all First Responders.

Gina Plastiak is a 911 operator in North Riverside at the West Central Consolidated Dispatch Center.

Mentoring others is a passion for Westmont Fire Battalion Chief Eric Blaskovich

Elmhurst's First Responders Memorial will incorporate a 13-foot-long section of rail that was part of a rail system that ran under the World Trade Center

Mario Manfredini is the Berwyn Fire Department's fire inspector and a battalion chief. He also prepares his own Italian sauce, which is sold in local stores and farmers markets.

Det. Sgt. Rolando Padilla has served in many capacities during his 16 years with the Westmont Police Department

Sgt. Lee Zeitlin faces myriad challenges as head of the Brookfield Zoo Chicago's police force

Columnist Tom Weitzel outlines the many ways residents can thank first responders