Lombard picks new police chief from inside department

A longtime Lombard police officer, Deputy Chief Roy Newton, has been named chief of the village's police department and will start his new duties on Sunday.

He replaces Ray Byrne, who is retiring Friday after 15 years with the department.

Newton has served in the village for 31 years, beginning his career as an explorer cadet and community service officer before becoming a sworn officer in 1995. Born and raised in Lombard, Newton rose steadily through the department's ranks before being named deputy chief in 2013.

"I'm privileged to work with our dedicated police officers, and I will keep our department moving forward with an ongoing commitment to improved community relations and policing techniques," Newton said in a news release.

His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 17 during the village board meeting.

"Given his credentials and his history with Lombard, Roy Newton is a perfect fit for our community," said Trustee Dan Whittington, chairman of the board's public safety and transportation committee.

Newton is a member of the DuPage County Chiefs of Police Association and serves as chairman of its legislative committee.