Riverside Police Chief Retiring After Nearly 40 Years With Agency

La Grange IL

16 February, 2021

9:57 AM

Description

RIVERSIDE, IL — Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel has been known for getting the word out about the cases the police are working on, much more so than other departments. On Tuesday, his latest news was more personal: He announced his retirement as of May 20. He released a letter to the media that he had sent to village officials and the Village Board late last week. In it, he said he had discussed his departure for some time with his family and colleagues and more recently Village Manager Jessica Frances. Weitzel has served the police department for 37 years. He first wore the Riverside police uniform when he was 23. In 2008, he became police chief. While many police departments put out bare-bones blotters to the public, Weitzel regularly issues news releases about all kinds of crimes that local officers are working on — from armed robberies to DUIs. In August, Weitzel held a public forum after the demonstrations in response to the deaths of George Floyd and others. The department joined the NAACP and the Illinois Association of Police in signing the Ten Shared Principles. In his retirement letter, Weitzel praised the police force. "Working alongside the brave and devoted officers of the Riverside Police Department has truly been an honor and memories that I will take with me for a lifetime," Weitzel said. "The men and women of the Riverside Police Department represent all that is good with this profession. I know as I prepare to walk out the door that the officers who serve our great community will continue to protect and be guardians of our fine village."