Wheeling's deputy police chief retires

Wheeling Deputy Police Chief Joseph Licari retired from the department earlier this month after more than 30 years of service.

"It's bittersweet," said Licari, 52, of Prospect Heights.

Licari spent his entire career with the Wheeling Police Department. He came aboard as a patrol officer in 1990 and worked his way up to detective, patrol sergeant and other posts before eventually becoming deputy chief of administrative services in 2019.

Licari represented the village as a member of police task forces, including the North Suburban Major Case Assistance Team's officer involved death unit. He earned more than 21 departmental commendations and two lifesaving awards.

The village board reportedly will honor Licari during its meeting Monday night.

"Deputy Chief Licari's retirement marks the culmination of a remarkable career," police Chief Jamie Dunne said in a prepared statement. "Joe's contributions in guiding the culture of the Wheeling Police Department through these times has helped our department maintain the respect and the support of our community."

Licari doesn't plan to stay retired for long. He intends to look for a job with a different law enforcement agency.

But he said he'll miss the friendships and relationships he formed in Wheeling over the course of his career.

"I loved every moment of my time there," he said.