Making way for the next generation: Wermes retiring after 10 years as Wauconda police chief

Wauconda Police Chief David Wermes is calling it a career after more than 10 years as the village’s top cop and four decades in law enforcement.

The decision was announced by the department in a social media post praising Wermes for leading the department with professionalism and strengthening relationships with the community.

“His steady leadership, dedication to service and investment in both the community and the department have helped shape the organization into what it is today,” the department posted.

Wermes said his last day will be Tuesday, when he’ll attend the village board meeting to facilitate upcoming promotions as a fitting way to close this chapter in department leadership.

Deputy Chief John Combs, a department veteran, is scheduled to be appointed by Mayor Jeff Sode to succeed Wermes.

Combs was a corrections officer with the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department before joining Wauconda police in 1998.

According to information provided by the village, he has held numerous specialized assignments and instructor roles, overseen investigations and managed critical incidents and large-scale events.

Combs also and has been instrumental in advancing technology systems and leading the implementation of body-worn and in-car camera systems.

Wermes said that after 40 years in the field he now fully understands what chiefs over the years meant when they told him, “You know when you know.”

“There is a certain calmness and peace that comes when you realize it is the right time to step away and allow the next generation of leaders to continue the work,” he said in an email.

Wermes started his career as a cadet and later police officer in Streamwood, before spending 27 years with the Schaumburg Police Department, where he retired as administrative division commander.

He was sworn in as Wauconda’s chief on Dec. 15, 2015, replacing Patrick Yost, a 26-year department veteran who held the top spot for two years.

Yost’s appointment came after then-Mayor Frank Bart sidestepped the village board and forced out Chief Douglas Larsson, which led to public protests.

Wermes said in a social media post that serving in Wauconda has been one of the greatest honors of his professional life and was grateful for the trust, support and partnership of residents, businesses, elected officials, community organizations and department members.

“We worked hard to build stronger relationships between law enforcement and the people we serve,” he said.

Wermes noted that and several programs such as Shop with a Cop were created or expanded with that goal.

“These events allowed our residents to see police officers not just as uniforms or badges, but as neighbors, mentors, coaches, and human beings who truly care about the people they serve,” he added.