Department veteran named Lindenhurst's next top cop

A veteran Lindenhurst police officer is set to become the department's next chief, village officials revealed Monday.

Commander Kevin Klahs has been selected as the town's next top cop, replacing Chief Jack McKeever. McKeever recently announced plans to retire.

Mayor Susan Lahr and village trustees selected Klahs for the post out of about 20 applicants, according to a news release.

Klahs started in Lindenhurst as an officer in 1987 and was promoted to sergeant in 1990. He has served as a commander since 1995.

“We are confident that Kevin Klahs possesses the experience and energy needed to lead our police operation,” Lahr said in a news release. “(He) has demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment to Lindenhurst, and we are excited to have him as our next police chief.”

The village board is set to vote on the appointment at its Dec. 13 meeting. The promotion will be effective after McKeever retires Dec. 15, officials said.

McKeever had been the department's chief for 17 years.

Neither McKeever nor Klahs could be reached for comment Monday afternoon.