Arlington Heights police chief to retire after 44 years with department

Nick Pecora, who rose through the ranks from beat cop to police chief over 44 years with the Arlington Heights Police Department, will retire in November, village officials announced Thursday.

Pecora, 64, is only the sixth chief in the department’s 132-year history.

Appointed top cop in 2019, he was at the helm through the pandemic, managed responses to high-profile crimes, helped with planning for the possible Bears redevelopment at Arlington Park, and more recently successfully lobbied the village board to hire a dozen more officers.

In a news release, village officials touted the department’s recent national accreditation under Pecora’s leadership — its sixth through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.

Pecora, who has lived in Arlington Heights since his family moved there in 1968, got a job as a public service officer in 1982 before he became a sworn police officer in 1986. He subsequently earned promotions as detective, sergeant, commander, deputy chief and chief.

“Chief Pecora’s legacy is one of deep integrity, service and devotion for this community,” Village Manager Randy Recklaus said. “Arlington Heights is a safer and stronger place because of his leadership. We are grateful for his contributions and wish him the very best in his retirement.”

Recklaus, who is tasked with appointing a successor, announced plans for a “thorough and competitive” search, and anticipates attracting a highly-qualified pool of candidates.

cplacek@dailyherald.com