Prospect Heights police chief, city's last original officer, to retire

When he retires May 13, Prospect Heights Police Chief Jim Zawlocki will be the last of the 17 officers hired in 1990 to start the city's police department.

On Monday, Acting Mayor Matt Dolick's appointment of Deputy Chief Bill Caponigro to succeed Zawlocki was confirmed by the unanimous vote of the city council.

On the cusp of his retirement, Zawlocki reflected on the evolution of the department he's led for the past three years.

"Seeing the progress of the department since 1992, and the support of the community and city council, has been an exceptional experience," Zawlocki said.

Beginning his law enforcement career in Woodstock, Zawlocki became one of the original members of Prospect Heights' police force 32 years ago.

He was promoted to sergeant in 1992, deputy chief in 2017 and chief in 2019. He has also served as president of the Greater Cook County Captains Association and various regional police case assistance teams, as well as being a member of the Prospect Heights Lions and River Cities Rotary clubs.

Dolick spoke to the responsibility he had in finding the right successor to Zawlocki, and the process that led him to appoint Caponigro.

"I put a lot of thought and consideration into this," Dolick said before Monday's confirmation vote. "This is not a decision I take lightly."

Caponigro also spoke to the responsibility he is now taking on.

"I look forward to continue mentoring the young officers of the department, instilling a philosophy of customer service, advancing community outreach efforts, and protecting our citizens," he said.

Caponigro, a native of Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood, joined the Prospect Heights department in 1999. He has held the positions of patrol officer, corporal, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant and deputy chief.

Before joining the Prospect Heights force, Caponigro served the Chicago Housing Authority Police.