Deputy chief ready to take top spot in Itasca Police Department

A 32-year veteran of the Itasca Police Department is poised to put his stamp on the place he has called home since 1981.

Deputy Chief Robert O'Connor, 54, will replace Chief Scott Heher, 53, who is retiring Friday after 29 years with the department. O'Connor will be sworn in Monday morning.

"I'm so happy this opportunity has presented itself to me. Having spent my entire career serving this community, being chief and putting my stamp on the agency is certainly something I've striven for," O'Connor said. "I'm looking at this as a culmination of a career and I hope to continue to lead the organization forward for years to come."

O'Connor said Heher set the bar high, but he hopes to improve communication with schools regarding crisis management strategies and to become an Illinois accredited police department.

Heher said he was proud to see O'Connor advance through the ranks.

"OC has been my right-hand man for the past eight years or so and the guy is rock steady," Heher said. "With him in charge, I don't lie awake at night worrying about the operations division because he's always on top of things. He'll be a very good replacement."

Village President Jeff Pruyn said O'Connor was his pick for the $121,000-a-year post after meeting with him and bringing him before the village board for a more formal interview.

"Chief O'Connor has already demonstrated his ability to lead the operations of the department in his capacity as deputy chief," Pruyn said. "O'Connor is well respected by the officers, other village staff and the community."

Wood Dale Chief Greg Vesta said he was happy to see his friend promoted because the two were once both deputy chiefs in their respective communities.

"Bob's a top-notch guy and he's only going to continue to strengthen the relationship not only between our departments, but with other communities," Vesta said. "I know I can call him at 2 a.m. and say 'Bob, I need a hand with this' and he'll be right there. It's a reciprocal thing between the two of us that I appreciate."

O'Connor said another of his priorities will be to install a succession plan.

"The village board was very clear they want me to prepare some people in the agency for the next stage in their careers," he said.

"That's a positive thing because a growing agency gives more members the opportunity to advance."

O'Connor will officially be sworn in on Monday, but a special swearing-in ceremony is planned for 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at the village board meeting.