Who will be Elgin's next police chief?

Who will be Elgin's next police chief once Jeff Swoboda leaves?

City Manager Rick Kozal, who's in charge of making the appointment, said Wednesday afternoon he plans to make a decision "shortly."

"I am continuing to seek guidance from the city council, community and staff on the qualities desired in Elgin's next police chief," Kozal said.

Swoboda's last day is Saturday. The assumption is Deputy Chief Bill Wolf - whom Swoboda endorsed as his successor - will at a minimum be appointed on an interim basis.

Wolf was not immediately available for comment Wednesday.

A majority of council members interviewed by the Daily Herald said they are OK with looking to promote from within.

Councilwoman Rose Martinez said Wolf should be the next chief. Wolf, who has served 26 years in Elgin, would ensure continuity for a department that's been working well for the community, she said.

Councilman Terry Gavin said he's committed to internal promotions whenever possible. "I also believe (Wolf) is ready for the permanent position," he said.

Gavin and Councilman Toby Shaw said residents have told them they would like someone to be promoted from within. Next in rank are three commanders: Ana Lalley, Colin Fleury and Al Young.

Shaw said he didn't want to comment further "on a staff decision that is not mine to make."

Mayor David Kaptain said the city manager should look first at internal candidates. Wolf is qualified for the job and an internal promotion would trigger more promotions from the bottom up, he said.

"It's a positive ripple effect. The negative is that you tell people, 'You worked here for 20 years and we're not going to look at you for a job.'"

Council members Corey Dixon and Tish Powell said the search should include external applicants.

"I would like to see an open process that allows both internal and external applicants to apply and compete against each other, so that we get the best candidate," Powell said.

Dixon said a nationwide search is not necessary, but there should be "an open and public application process."

"If Bill Wolf remains standing after an open application process, then so be it. I know that he's more than capable of doing the job and I have full confidence in him," he said.

Councilwoman Carol Rauschenberger said there are several viable candidates in the police department who should be considered. She also "would not be opposed to a wider search, though that is ultimately up to our city manager."

Councilman Rich Dunne suggested conducting formal internal interviews first.

"We could start with Bill Wolf, and if everyone is happy with that, then we stay there. If they want to cast a wider net, then we cast a wider net."

Councilman John Steffen is out of town and couldn't be reached for comment.