Palatine welcomes new top cop, bid farewell to outgoing chief

Palatine’s village council welcomed new police Chief William Nord this week, while also saying a fond farewell to his recently retired predecessor, Dave Daigle.

Mayor Jim Schwantz read a proclamation in appreciation of Daigle’s 30 years of service to the department. It gave the mayor a chance to reminisce about the days when he and Daigle were teammates on the Fremd High School football team.

Schwantz noted that football mirrors life, as Daigle was an all-conference safety on the gridiron.

“How perfect that he goes into a profession as a safety officer,” he said. “He made a life of having people’s backs, just like a safety does in football.”

Village Manager Reid Ottesen said Daigle left the department on solid ground and Nord is “ready to take it to yet another new level.”

Nord has had a diverse career, covering schools, investigations, patrol and neighborhood-based policing, Ottesen said.

Nord thanked his family — especially his wife, Julie, “who has been by my side for my entire career” — and his colleagues in the police department.

“I am inspired by your professionalism, your integrity and your compassion, and I am honored to stand alongside you, as we work together to ensure the safety and the well-being of all of our residents,” he said.