East Dundee police chief earns statewide recognition

East Dundee police chief Terry Mee checked off another personal goal recently when he earned the designation of Certified Chief of Police from the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.

The designation recognizes police chiefs or law enforcement officers with at least 10 years of service based on their experience and their performance on a series of examinations, including a written test and interview.

"It is a part of the professionalism of the position and is another step toward profession credentials," Mee said. "It was another personal goal similar to pursuing my master's degree."

The certification program began in 1998 with the primary goal of enhancing the level of professionalism among police chiefs in the state, according to the association's website. As of April, 70 police chiefs and law enforcement officials have been certified this year. Those who earn the designation can apply for recertification every five years.

Mee, who became East Dundee police chief in 2006, earned his bachelor's degree in law enforcement administration from Western Illinois University and later completed a master's degree in human resource management and development from National-Louis University.