New top cop in Wauconda

As relatives, friends and uniformed police officers looked on, David Wermes was sworn in as Wauconda's new police chief.

Wermes received a standing ovation from the crowd that had gathered at Wauconda's village hall for the ceremony Tuesday night. Everyone shared a laugh when Village Clerk Gina Strelecki accidentally identified Wermes as a new police officer rather than chief when reciting the oath of office with him.

After taking the oath, Wermes' mother, Joanmarie Wermes, pinned his new badge on his suit coat.

Wermes, 49, of the Marengo area, takes over as Wauconda's top cop Jan. 5. He most recently served as a commander with the Schaumburg Police Department.

The village board unanimously approved Wermes' contact Tuesday night. It runs through April 30, 2017 - under Illinois law, chiefs' contracts expire at the end of mayoral terms.

He'll collect a $122,500 salary the first year, officials said.

Wermes replaces Chief Patrick Yost, who retired this summer.

Wermes was one of more than 80 applicants for the post and one of three finalists.