Retiring police chief 'made Elgin a better place to live'

Seniors held "We Will Miss You" signs and kids gave him hugs. Scores of police officers, volunteers and civilian personnel wished him "good luck" in a touching and sometimes humorous farewell video.

More than 300 people attended Elgin Police Chief Jeff Swoboda's retirement ceremony Thursday afternoon at the Centre of Elgin. Swoboda starts Monday as the new police chief in Fort Collins, Colorado.

"You've left many legacies in the community and within the police department," Deputy Chief Bill Wolf said. "The ability to connect with all people I think, truly, is the legacy that you should be most proud of."

"He reaches out to the community," agreed Jaime Garcia, executive director of Centro de Informacion. "To all segments of the community."

The 48-year-old Swoboda was hired as an officer in Elgin at age 22 and worked his way up the ranks until being named chief in 2010. Crime in Elgin was at historic lows last year.

"I can tell you Jeff Swoboda has made Elgin a better place to live, and I thank him for his service," Mayor David Kaptain said.

Kane County State's Attorney Joe McMahon, an Elgin native, said that on occasion he has relied on Swoboda's advice. Swoboda is candid and honest and "sees the big picture," McMahon said.

"Jeff's influence reaches much broader than just the city of Elgin. He is respected by people across the region," McMahon said.

Swoboda graduated in 1987 from Westmont High School and earned degrees from Moraine Valley Community College and Aurora University. He later earned a master's degree in administration of law enforcement from Western Illinois University.

He started his career as a member of Elgin's resident officer program, which requires officers to live in the neighborhoods they police.

Former Elgin Police Chief Charles Gruber recalled Swoboda's puzzlement with the assignment. "He said, 'Huh?' But he readily jumped in and went for it, and did a great job. And he continued to do a great job with every job that I gave him."

Cmdr. Ana Lalley said that what she learned from Swoboda is, "Always challenge yourself, think about your legacy and put the community first."

"He always resets you and continues to motivate you," Cmdr. Al Young said.

And no matter how hard you try to prepare with answers, he always thinks of one more unexpected question at 3:30 a.m., Cmdr. Colin Fleury said.

Swoboda exhorted officers to help people find their footing and get back on track, because in the end, it's all about the community.

"I say thank you to the community. You've been with me the entire way," he said. "You've been with the police department every step of the way."