Ex-West Dundee police chief stayed involved
Dick Lovett retired from the West Dundee police department eight years ago, but the former police chief was never far away, always on hand to offer old colleagues advice and provide guidance to new officers.
The 28-year police veteran died Tuesday at Delnor Community Hospital in Geneva, from what friends say were complications after a recent spinal surgery. He was 70.
"After he retired he stayed in the area and stayed active in the community and with the police department," said Police Chief Dave Sawyer, who worked with Lovett for about 22 years. "It wasn't like he left. There wasn't a week that went by that he didn't call me or stop by."
Lovett joined the department part-time in 1973 as a patrolman. He worked his way through the ranks and was promoted to police chief in 1996.
In the mid-1970s, Lovett played a key role in the creation of QuadCom, the regional 911 emergency call center that covers East and West Dundee, Carpentersville, Sleepy Hollow and South Barrington.
"He was a consummate police professional who was dedicated to his job and the community," said Joe Pena, former East Dundee police chief. "He was always very thorough and fair. And he was a very good mentor to young officers coming on the job."
Village Manager Joe Cavallaro recalled Lovett as an "integral fixture" whose commitment changed the West Dundee police department.
"Dick moved the police department from the small, unsophisticated department it was, to the quality department it is today," Cavallaro said.
Under Lovett's tenure, the police department doubled in size, Cavallaro said. In addition to his police work, Lovett passionately supported D.A.R.E and the Special Olympics.
"What we will miss most is his enthusiasm for the community and the love of this town," Cavallaro said. "Although he retired, he never retired from the community."
He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Beverly Lovett, and children, Scott and Stephanie.
A memorial gathering to celebrate Lovett's life is planned for 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday at Miller Funeral Home, 504 W. Main St., West Dundee.
No funeral service is planned and burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, 605 E. Willow St., Normal, IL 61761 or Daniel P. Figgins Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 6054, Elgin, IL 60121.