Bloomingdale swears in a new police chief

Bloomingdale officials swore in the village's new police chief Monday night in front of dozens of colleagues and supporters.

Former Deputy Chief of Operations Frank Giammarese was appointed to lead the department earlier this month, following the retirement of Chief Tim Goergen.

Goergen was one of 10 Bloomingdale employees who qualified and opted for an early retirement package the village offered this year to help ease its budget crisis. He jointed the department in April 1980 and served as chief the past four years.

Although Goergen could have maintained his post through June, officials said he wanted to step down early and focus on the management consulting firm he owns.

As Giammarese steps into his new role, he said a top priority will be continuing to give residents the same services they've come to expect under Goergen.

"We've been pretty fortunate with the leadership we've had in the past, and everyone is going through some pretty tough times, so I want to continue the good working relationship we have with the community in all aspects," Giammarese said.

A 22-year veteran of the department, Giammarese said he also hopes to evaluate all 14 programs the department offers to citizens - including Neighborhood Watch and Citizens Police Academy - to make sure they are working to their maximum potential.

"We want to make sure we're doing things the right way and see if there's anything that needs tweaking," he said.

Village President Bob Iden said Monday that Giammarese's appointment was the natural choice, since he was groomed for the post by Goergen.

"Frank was targeted, and this follows with my philosophy of promoting from within and giving employees the chance to move up and grow with the village," Iden said. "And look at the support you see here tonight."

To replace Giammarese in his former position, Watch Commander Randy Sater was appointed the new deputy chief of operations.