Lakemoor names acting police chief

Lakemoor has hired William Kushner to serve as acting police chief as the village continues its search for a permanent chief.

Kushner, who was approved by the village board by 5-0 vote Thursday night, will replace Michael Marchese who is leaving Monday because of personal and family reasons. He leaves after serving in the job for eight months.

Kushner comes to the Lakemoor through the linebacker program run by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. The program provides an interim chief to fill the vacancy created by an unscheduled departure until a permanent replacement can be found.

A Chicago police officer and later lieutenant for 29 years, Kushner served four years as chief of the Berwyn department.

Kushner said he consulted with his wife, Catherine, when the request came through the linebacker program to serve in Lakemoor. While the couple lives in Beverly, they have a second home in Powers Lake, Wis. that is 20 minutes away from Lakemoor. Kushner said he looks forward to the challenge to serve Lakemoor.

“It's a department that needs help. They are losing their chief so they need help,” he said. “I wouldn't have gone into law enforcement if I didn't want to help people.”

Village President Todd Weihofen said Kushner came to Berwyn, which tried to re-establish the department. His experience parallels what Lakemoor now faces.

“We are trying to rebuild our police department and bring it up to today's standards, rebuild relationships in our communities and provide the best possible service,” he said.

Kushner said his short-term goal is to learn the policies and procedures within Lakemoor and work with the officers to see the town.

The department now has six full-time and two part-time officers who serve more than 5,000 residents. Kushner said he will recommend to add personnel, and it's up to the village board to determine if that will be within the budget.

Weihofen said the village will continue to search for a permanent chief. The village has received many applications and will reach out to its candidates.

“Mr. Kushner might be the perfect candidate,” he said. “We'll find out.”