Barrington Hills police chief to retire after nine years as top cop

Barrington Hills is hosting a send-off party Friday for Police Chief Michael Murphy, who's retiring after 28 years in the department and nine years as its top cop.

The public is invited to bid Murphy farewell at a coffee and cake reception from noon to 2 p.m. Friday at village hall, 112 Algonquin Road.

In the most recent Barrington Hills News from Village Hall newsletter, Deputy Police Chief Rich Semelsberger thanks Murphy for mentoring him when he was starting out on the force.

"His sense of humor made a nervous rookie's first few weeks on the job fun and enjoyable," Semelsberger wrote. "For me, Chief Murphy has been a patient and understanding boss, a mentor, and more importantly, a friend."

Before becoming chief, Murphy served as a detective, field training officer, truck enforcement officer and investigations commander among other jobs.

Semelsberger will serve as acting chief while the search for a permanent replacement for Murphy is conducted.