Search for new St. Charles police chief down to final candidate

After operating without a chief of police since November, St. Charles has decided on its next top cop, but is keeping the candidate’s identity under wraps.

The position opened when former Police Chief James Keegan resigned in March. Former Deputy Chief Eric Majewski has been serving as interim police chief while the city conducted a national search for the next chief.

The search concluded on July 7 after the final round of interviews. The selected candidate, however, has yet to be revealed.

City Administrator Heather McGuire said the city made an offer on July 8 and is waiting for the candidate to formalize his acceptance. She said personnel matters, including a background check, must be completed before the candidate's name can be revealed.

“The mayor, city council and staff are all unanimously excited about the selection of this candidate, and we’re looking forward to his announcement,” McGuire said.

The appointment will need city council approval before the candidate can be sworn in by Mayor Clint Hull.

McGuire said the council could vote on the appointment during its meeting on Sept. 2. If the selection is approved, Hull would conduct the swearing in at the same meeting, and the new chief would officially start on Sept. 15.

The city started a national search in May with the help of Florida-based consulting group MGT.

The initial pool of 47 applications was narrowed down in multiple rounds of interviews during special city council meetings.