McHenry Co. undersheriff leaving to become Crystal Lake's deputy chief

The McHenry County Sheriff's second-in-command is leaving the office after more than two decades to take on a similar role with the Crystal Lake Police Department.

Undersheriff Gene Lowery described mixed feelings Wednesday about his decision to accept a deputy chief position with the Crystal Lake force, a job that puts him in charge of the agency's patrol, investigations and support services divisions.

"This is very bittersweet for me," he said. "It's tough because I love this (sheriff's) office. I consider it a tremendous honor to have served and worked here with some of the finest people I've ever met."

After joining the sheriff's department in 1989 as a patrol deputy, Lowery worked his way up through the ranks - including a tenure as head of investigations - to become undersheriff in 2003. He will step down officially March 26 and begin work in Crystal Lake three days later.

Lowery, who is eligible for a pension for his service with the sheriff's office, said he was "at a point in my career where it makes sense" to move on to a new position.

Crystal Lake Chief David Linder said Lowery was chosen after a nationwide search narrowed a large field of candidates to seven finalists. The finalists, which included candidates from both within and outside the department, participated in competitive testing for the post.

"Gene just simply did the best," Linder said. "It was really his ability to look to the future and convey to use the knowledge and experience needed to keep this department moving forward."