Mt. Prospect bids farewell to retiring police chief

Mount Prospect village board members this month honored police Chief Michael Semkiu, who will retire on June 17, for his service of more than 31 years.

Semkiu, who will be succeeded by Deputy Chief Tim Janowick, began with the police department as a patrol officer on April 1, 1983. In 1998, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and in 2002 rose to commander. In 2004, he was named deputy chief, and in 2012, chief.

Over the years, he received honors including two certificates of exceptional performance, Officer of the Quarter in 1992 and runner-up Officer of the Year in 1993. He received the Cook County Sheriff's Award of Merit in 2011, Northwestern University's Center for Public Safety Executive Leadership Award and in 2012 he was recognized by the Illinois Senate.

His honors will continue on June 12, declared Michael Semkiu Day in Mount Prospect.

The proclamation, read by each member of the village board, said in part that Semkiu "has exemplified the utmost standards of public service and stewardship."

He was credited for the department's expanded use of technology, and for undertaking the management of the department's policies and procedures, which resulted in maintaining the its status as an accredited law enforcement agency over 12 years.

Standing at the podium with his wife, Rosann, and his daughter, Rebecca, Semkiu thanked the village manager and the board for their support. He also thanked his fellow department heads.

"With such a high level of cooperation, the primary goal of serving the residents of Mount Prospect has always been achieved," he said. "I have no doubt the department will continue ... providing the highest level of professionalism and service under the leadership of Tim Janowick."

Several trustees chimed in with words of praise. Trustee John Matuszak, a personal friend going back to their younger days, said, "Running the police department … requires an incredible amount of dedication, loyalty and the ability to help people."

Semkiu, who lives in Des Plaines, said his immediate plans include traveling and generally taking it easy.