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Fox Lake police chief to retire amid investigation

Already the subject of an internal village investigation, Fox Lake Police Chief Michael Behan has resigned, officials announced Wednesday.

Behan plans to retire at the end of this week, according to a news release from the village. Behan told trustees about his plans to step down earlier this month, the release said.

Those plans weren't mentioned last week, however, when Village Administrator Anne Marrin announced Behan and an unidentified police officer had been placed on paid administrative leave after the launch of an investigation into a physical confrontation between the officer and a suspect in December 2014.

Private investigators were hired by the village to look into the case because officials have concerns with "how the incident was investigated, when it was investigated and how decisions regarding findings and discipline were reached," Marrin said.

No charges have been filed, nor has any civil action been taken in the matter.

According to the latest news release, Behan has pledged his ongoing cooperation as the investigation continues.

Behan, 55, has been police chief since 2006. He's been a police officer in Fox Lake since 1982.

"It has been a genuine privilege to have spent a career in service to the residents of Fox Lake and to have commanded a group of fine, talented and dedicated police officers," Behan said in the news release. "I am most proud of the work we have done to ensure that Fox Lake is a safe community for families, businesses and visitors."

A national search for the town's next chief is planned, officials said.

Fox Lake police chief, officer placed on paid leave

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