New police chief to take helm in Algonquin
Algonquin is getting a new police chief after nearly 30 years.
Deputy Chief John Bucci has been tapped to take over the reins from Police Chief Russell Laine, who has been chief since 1985 and will retire Dec. 15.
Bucci will be sworn in during the Dec. 16 village board meeting.
“I'm very honored and excited about the opportunity,” said Bucci, 42, of Poplar Grove. “Everyone at the police department and village are great to work with. I would like to continue our community policing and strengthen our relationship with the community. Algonquin has built a great reputation as an organization. I want to keep that same type of professionalism.”
Bucci began his law enforcement career in 1998 and joined the Algonquin Police Department in March 2000. He has served as a patrol officer, a DARE Officer, a detective, and a defensive tactics instructor. He also has been a member of the McHenry County Gang Unit, the McHenry County Major Investigation Assistance Team, and is the secretary for the McHenry County Chiefs of Police Association.
Bucci was promoted to the rank of sergeant in January 2010. He attended the FBI National Academy in 2011, and earned a master's degree in public safety administration in 2012. He was appointed deputy chief of operations in July 2013.
His annual salary as police chief will be $130,000 not including health insurance and pension benefits.
Laine, who makes $144,461, has served 39 years in law enforcement, almost 30 of which have been with Algonquin. He previously was the police chief in Bartlett. He also has served as the president of the McHenry County Chiefs of Police Association, the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Laine, 63, is among three nominees for the job as the next United States marshal for the high-profile northern Illinois district. Other finalists are Joel Kirch, current acting U.S. marshal for the district, and Calumet City Police Chief Edward Gilmore. A decision on that appointment won't be made for a few months.
The Marshals Service is the enforcement arm of U.S. courts. Among its other duties, the agency is responsible for transporting prisoners, catching fugitives and ensuring the security of federal judges.