Winfield names new police chief
Winfield officials didn't have to look far to find their town's next police chief.
David Schar, a deputy police chief in neighboring Warrenville, has been appointed to become Winfield's top law enforcement official.
"I'm very excited about the opportunity to lead the Winfield Police Department as they move forward," Schar said Friday.
Schar, who has spent 25 years with the Warrenville police, is scheduled to start his new job on May 22. The 48-year-old is replacing Police Chief Stacy Reever, who is retiring.
Winfield, which has a 17-member police department, hired public safety consultants to assist with the search for a new chief.
Schar was picked by the village board on Thursday after officials narrowed the field of 50 applicants.
Village Manager Curt Barrett said in a statement that Schar is "a great fit for the challenges of this demanding position. We are pleased to add his expertise and enthusiasm to our team."
Schar said a number of factors inspired him to apply for the position.
"Because I've worked in Warrenville so long, I know a number of their officers and Chief Reever," he said. "I know that they enjoy a good reputation in law enforcement."
He said the Winfield community is very supportive of its police and works with the department to make the community what it is.
"Those are all things that I've grown to appreciate over my career," said Schar, who has been involved in many of Warrenville's crime prevention programs through the years.
Still, Schar said he's "saddened" to leave Warrenville because he started his career there as a patrol officer in 1990.
During his time in Warrenville, Schar has been a field training officer, a D.A.R.E. officer, a patrol supervisor, an evidence technician supervisor, a bicycle patrol supervisor and an administrative sergeant.
Schar was promoted to the position of deputy chief of administrative services in 2009. He has been Warrenville's deputy chief of operations since 2011.
He is scheduled to be sworn in as Winfield's new police chief during the May 21 village board meeting.
"I love this area," Schar said. "I'm very familiar with Winfield. I'm looking forward to being a part of the team over there."