Hanover Park police shuffles department leadership

Hanover Park Deputy Police Chief Tom Cortese is stepping down after 27 years with the department.

Cortese's last day on the job will be Sept 5.

Lt. Andy Johnson, who currently heads the investigation division, will be promoted to deputy chief during a swearing-in at the village board meeting Sept. 4. Johnson also leads an initiative that has rolled out the department's smartphone app, social media accounts and virtual ride-alongs to better connect cops with residents.

Over his career, Cortese has received several awards as a lieutenant whose detective team cracked a series of violent crimes in 2008. The Hanover Park veteran said he's considering a move to law enforcement on a college campus or working as a civilian for a police department.

"It's just time for me to move on," Cortese said.

Sgt. John Dossey, who joined the department 25 years ago, will rise to lieutenant. Police Chief David Webb also is expected to name a new sergeant and, possibly, a police officer at the board meeting.