Investigations chief takes over as McHenry Co. undersheriff

With an eye on not only his office's immediate needs, but its future once he's gone, McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren on Monday named a 20-year department veteran as his new second-in-command.

Lt. Andrew Zinke, who currently heads the sheriff's investigations division, beat out a field of eight other internal candidates to become the department's new undersheriff, the number two position in county's largest law enforcement agency,

Zinke, 42, replaces former undersheriff Gene Lowery, who stepped down last month to take a deputy chief position for the Crystal Lake Police Department.

Nygren said he chose Zinke after a nearly three-month search process because of his leadership ability, communication skills, experience in nearly every facet of the agency and his potential as a future sheriff.

"The most important thing is to get the best person, and I got that," Nygren said. "But I won't be here forever, and I wanted someone who will carry on when I'm not here. Hopefully someday he'll be positioned, if he chooses, to run for sheriff."

Nygren, the sheriff since 1997, has no immediate plans to step down. He instead is seeking his fourth full four-year term as sheriff in November's election.

Zinke said Monday he is not looking past the task at hand with his new position.

"My first priority is learning the job," he said. "I'm not planning any changes, other than we are always looking for ways to improve."

Zinke has led a steady ascension through the sheriff's ranks to his new position as undersheriff. He joined the department as a patrol deputy and since has served as a canine officer, SWAT team member and a sergeant and lieutenant, both in patrol and investigations.

In his new job, Zinke will oversee most day-to-day operations of the department and serve as its liaison with the county board and county administration, as well as the public.

Nygren said he will also rely on Zinke as an adviser and confidante.

"He's really been a go-to guy for me when I've had questions from the community and I've had to reach out with answers," Nygren said.

Zinke will get a raise with the promotion, but the exact amount has not yet been determined, Nygren said. A search now will be conducted for his replacement as head of detectives, he added.