Schaumburg police director steps down

Schaumburg has a new director of police as Richard Casler, who served the village for more than 30 years, worked his last day Friday.

He is being replaced on an interim basis by Chief Brian Howerton, a veteran of more than 25 years on the force.

Howerton was one of two police chiefs serving under Casler, who performed his duties as director as a civilian rather than a sworn officer. Casler had been the chief of police until 2001, when he reached retirement age. Rather than lose him, Schaumburg created the director's position, making Casler a civilian officer and paying him an annual salary of more than $100,000 while he also collected a $70,000-a-year pension.

In the process, Schaumburg promoted two assistant police chiefs to chiefs, which satisfied the Illinois Department of Insurance, which regulates pension funds, that Casler's new job was different from his previous one.

The creation of the position was the source of one of six complaints against Casler by the Schaumburg Police Patrol Officer's Association, which in 2003 took a vote of "no confidence" against Casler.

At the time, Schaumburg Village Manager Ken Fritz said the "no confidence" vote did not seem relevant because many departmental decisions stem from village actions, not actions taken by Casler specifically.

In a 2003 article, he said, "It's unfortunate we have to do this through the press. From our point of view, we think (Casler) has been doing a great job. There have been a number of changes that have brought a number of people out of their comfort zone."

Casler himself said at the time that he was surprised by the vote.

Fritz said Sunday he could not discuss the reasons behind Casler leaving the department, since it is a personnel matter. He said the terms of a final agreement are being worked out. No village board action is required.

Fritz said Howerton was at one time chief of patrol services. Until his appointment as interim director, he was serving as chief of support services.

Fritz said the change will have virtually no impact on village services.

"Brian has been with the village a long time," Fritz said. "He has been in charge of patrol services, which is one of the largest components of the police department. He has been a longtime resident of the community. He is very competent and has the full support of the board and myself, so we don't see any impact on the community in terms of the transition."