Lisle police chief announces retirement

Lisle Police Chief Ron Wilke has announced his plans to retire on Feb. 25.

Wilke has 25 years of service with the Lisle police force, rising through the ranks to become chief in 2020. His previous department jobs included administrative sergeant, detective sergeant, community policing sergeant, watch commander, deputy chief of administration and deputy chief of operations.

Wilke also served as Lisle Police Department's public information officer for 15 years.

"Chief Wilke has had a distinguished career and been a steady, thoughtful and compassionate leader for the Lisle Police Department," Lisle Mayor Chris Pecak said in a statement. "The relationships he's built with the community are invaluable."

One of Wilke's recent accomplishments was to partner with Lisle-Woodridge Fire Department for a Lisle Public Safety Academy, which gave residents opportunities to learn about each agency. Wilke also guided

Lisle police through its first accreditation process with the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, which reviewed department compliance with professional policy standards.

Wilke received his bachelor's degree in Sociology from Illinois State University and earned a master's degree in Criminal Justice from Chicago State University.

"We are grateful for the many excellent contributions Chief Wilke made to this community, and we wish him the very best in the next chapter of his life," Pecak said.

Pecak is recommending the appointment of Kevin Licko as interim chief of police until a permanent replacement is found. Licko currently serves as deputy chief of police in administration. The village board is expected to consider Pecak's formal recommendation at its next meeting scheduled for Monday, Feb. 21.