Round Lake Beach top cop heading to Wauconda
Police Chief Doug Larsson doesn't expect to change his philosophy anytime soon - just the place he practices it.
Larsson, who's headed up the Round Lake Beach Police Department for the last six years, said Monday that he's leaving next month to take the top law enforcement spot in Wauconda.
He hopes to make the Wauconda Police Department more customer-service oriented, the same goal he's had in Round Lake Beach.
"I have been fortunate to serve in a wonderful police force that is loaded with extremely talented people," Larsson said. "But I am excited to go to another department that is loaded with some very good cops. I welcome and am excited by this opportunity."
The Wauconda board is expected to officially appoint Larsson to the chief's position with a starting date of Oct. 5. Larsson will leave Round Lake Beach effective Oct. 2.
"We are very excited to bring Chief Larsson on board," said Wauconda Mayor Mark Knigge. "He is an extremely accomplished community leader with over 36 years of law enforcement experience. Wauconda is fortunate to have this opportunity."
Larsson is a graduate of the FBI Academy and School of Police Staff & Command at Northwestern University. He also served for 30 years with the Rolling Meadows Police Department - achieving the rank of deputy chief - before becoming chief of Round Lake Beach.
Wauconda has been without a police chief for the last 14 months. Village Administrator Daniel Quick has been acting as the police superintendent during that time.
Quick served as police chief for Wauconda before taking over as village administrator about seven years ago.
Quick said it was always planned to bring in a new police chief, and started calling around to colleagues to see who was interested in the job or who might be a good fit.
When he called Larsson, he said he might be interested.
"He (Larsson) is a well-respected member of both municipal government and law enforcement," Quick said. "It will be an honor to work with him as we move forward."
Larsson stressed he was extremely happy in Round Lake Beach, but said the chance to move to Wauconda is too great to pass up.
"My goal is to provide the board and community with a solid foundation they can build on in the police department," he said. "We will develop the best practices, enhance the exceptional skills the police force already has, and re-examine the practices and policies to determine what is best for the community."
Round Lake Beach officials are expected to name an interim chief before Larsson leaves. Then, village officials will discuss the interview process and move forward looking for a new chief.