Top cop filling in as Lindenhurst village administrator

Police Chief Jack McKeever is going to be running more than just the Lindenhurst police department for the next few months.

McKeever has been named interim village administrator while trustees search for a permanent replacement for retiring administrator James Stevens.

"I'm performing the job willingly and enthusiastically, but it is out of a sense of duty," McKeever said. "I have made it clear I have no desire to do the job permanently."

McKeever has been serving as a co-administrator for several days with Stevens, who is working four hours a day through May 27.

He said he will remain police chief while performing the core duties of a village administrator, which include general management and budget oversight.

Village police chiefs filling in as administrators is not unprecedented in Lake County.

Daniel Quick held both positions in Wauconda before becoming the full-time village administrator in 2002.

Larry Laschen also pulled double duty in Vernon Hills before trading in his badge for the administrator job, which he held until retirement in 1998.

McKeever, who has been the police chief in Lindenhurst for 15 years, said Mayor Susan Lahr approached him about the position.

"I feel a sense of loyalty to her and the village," McKeever said, adding he is not receiving more compensation for his additional duties, but has asked for some extra vacation time.

Lahr did not return phone calls Thursday.

The village has hired Paul A. Reaume Group of Lake Bluff to find a permanent replacement for Stevens.

For a $15,000 fee, PAR will advertise the position, solicit resumes, screen applicants, obtain referrals and present candidates to the village board.

Board members expect the process to take four to six months.

"I just hope that during these few months, when I'm acting administrator, we can take care of the needs of both the residents and the people who work here," McKeever said. "I want everyone to be satisfied with the level of service we give them."