Hainesville's first officer now the chief

Nine months after Hainesville unveiled its new police department, it now has its second police chief.

The village promoted Sgt. Roy McCommons to replace Ronald Roth, who announced last week he will leave next month to lead Lake Villa's police department.

McCommons was the first officer hired for Hainesville's new department last February. Mayor Ted Mueller said McCommons was instrumental in helping Roth set up the department, interview and acquire equipment.

"I don't think there will hardly be a bump when he will step in. He is well-liked by the officers," Mueller said Tuesday.

Working closely with Roth, McCommons said they share the same goals, including an open-door policy with citizens and businesses. He is now excited to take what he calls this opportunity of a lifetime and lead the department.

"I have a great group of guys who are committed to the village. We will continue that," he said.

Mueller said he and Roth have had an excellent relationship, but Roth was given a golden opportunity to join Lake Villa.

"I was hoping Ron would hang around," he said. "He had an opportunity to move up to go to a larger community with a bigger department and bigger challenges."

Roth was hired in January to build the new police department from the ground up. It debuted in May and has received compliments from residents.

Roth received support from surrounding communities, including acquiring equipment donated by other villages. Hainesville also received support from the Lake County Sheriff's Department, which provided coverage the first three months.

"I opened my big mouth and said we'd have cops and cars on the streets in three months. He made it right and made it happen," Mueller said.