Elgin's new police chief 'one of us'

Saying it was a privilege and honor, Jeffrey A. Swoboda took the oath as Elgin's new chief of police Friday afternoon before an estimated 275 officers, city officials, family members and community supporters.

"I am really humbled and excited about my new role," said the 40-year-old Swoboda, who began his career with the department 18 years ago. "Leadership is more about action than it is words. I promise to continue to act in a manner you can be proud of."

Officials gathered at the Centre's Heritage Ballroom praised Swoboda as a community-minded officer who worked his way up through the ranks to deputy chief and now the highest-ranked law enforcement officer in the city.

A photo montage prepared by Swoboda's wife showed him in his younger years at the department in a community policing role interacting with kids and also arresting criminals.

City Manager Sean Stegall appointed Swoboda to replace former Chief Lisa Womack, who resigned on April 1. Swoboda had been acting chief since.

Stegall said he has worked with Swoboda for 10 years and has seen him demonstrate humility, adaptability and a "commitment to shared responsibility."

Stegall said Swoboda always is suggesting new ways and ideas for how the department can serve the people.

Officer Bill Wood, the president of the police union, said Swoboda knows what it's like to walk the Elgin streets and work on Christmas while his family was celebrating.

"We believe because you are one of us that you will have a more well-rounded view of the officers' perspective that has been lacking in past years," Wood said.

Added Deputy Chief Cecil Smith: "We have a chief who knows our people."

Swoboda said he will continue with work with neighborhood groups to make the city a better place.

"I think this promotion says more about the Elgin Police Department than it does Jeff Swoboda," he said. "It's such a fine organization that has produced leaders throughout. It could have been a number of other people standing up here today."

Tim O'Neil, the attorney for the police union, said he was hopeful the union and Swoboda could work together going forward.

"We believe we will have a good relationship with Chief Swoboda and work out the issues between us. We believe he will not forget where he came from," he said.