Schaumburg cop set to be Wauconda's next police chief
A veteran suburban cop is set to become Wauconda's next police chief.
Schaumburg police Cmdr. David Wermes will be Mayor Frank Bart's nominee for the post, officials confirmed Friday.
"David is a great fit for Wauconda," Bart said. "He brings a high degree of discipline and integrity and will lead our police force with honor."
Wauconda Trustee John Barbini expects Wermes will have the village board's unanimous support when it votes Tuesday.
"I think Dave brings both a level of operational experience and administrative experience to this position, and I think you need a balance of both to be successful as a chief of police," Barbini said.
Wermes, a police officer for 28 years, said the Wauconda job was the first chief's post he's sought.
"I wanted to pick a town I thought was the right fit for me," said Wermes, 49, of the Marengo area. "And it was. It seemed right from the beginning."
Wermes said he especially likes Wauconda's downtown business district and the people he's met. He said he plans to get involved with the local Rotary Club, the high school and other organizations.
Wermes started his law enforcement career as a Streamwood police officer in 1987. He joined the Schaumburg Police Department in 1989.
According to Schaumburg police, he's served as a patrol officer, an evidence technician, and as an investigator, among other duties.
He was promoted to sergeant in 1999, to lieutenant in 2009 and to commander in 2013.
Wermes graduated from the FBI National Academy leadership program in 2012, among other professional courses.
If the board approves his appointment, Wermes will take over as chief Jan. 5.
Wermes was one of three finalists for the Wauconda job. He'll replace Patrick Yost, who retired this summer.
Deputy Chief Thomas Bender has served as interim chief.
More than 80 people applied for the post, and seven candidates were interviewed.
Trustee Linda Starkey voiced excitement about Wermes' nomination Friday on her Facebook page.
"(I) hope Wauconda welcomes him with open arms," Starkey wrote.
Wermes' pending hiring isn't the only change coming to the police department.
The village board in October voted to shutter the department's 911 dispatch center in a cost-savings move and outsource the service. On Tuesday, the board will consider hiring Lake Zurich to handle the town's 911 calls.
Tuesday's session is set for 7 p.m. at village hall, 101 N. Main St.