Palatine chooses new police chief

Alan Stoeckel has been named the new chief of the Palatine Police Department, the village announced Thursday.

Stoeckel, a 29-year veteran of the department and currently deputy chief of operations, will replace retiring Chief John Koziol.

“Deputy Chief Stoeckel will be an outstanding leader for our police department,” Village Manager Reid Ottesen said in news release announcing the appointment. “His enthusiasm for policing, as well as his love for the Palatine community, made him an ideal choice for this position.”

Prior to his appointment as deputy chief in 2009, Stoeckel served in a variety of positions including crime scene technician, investigations, field training supervisor, and neighborhood based policing commander.

“I am humbled by this appointment,” Stoeckel said. “Blessed to serve the community my family has always called home and honored to work alongside the dedicated men and women of our police department whose commitment to public service is second to none.”

Stoeckel has lived in Palatine for 52 years. He attended schools in Palatine Township Elementary District 15 and graduated from Fremd High School.

“Chief Stoeckel's commitment to our community is second to none,” Mayor Jim Schwantz said in the news release. “He has a wealth of experience and will continue to serve all our residents and businesses with integrity and honor.”

Stoeckel will assume his new position April 3.