Semelsberger named new Barrington Hills police chief

Rich Semelsberger, a 25-year veteran of the Barrington Hills Police Department, has been named the 10th chief in village history.

Semelsberger, who had been serving as acting chief since predecessor Michael Murphy retired in October, said he was honored to accept the position.

"I've worked for four of the nine chiefs directly and have learned a lot from them," he said. "I hope to continue in their tradition of providing exemplary service to the residents of Barrington Hills."

Semelsberger said one of his goals is to improve communications with residents by better utilizing the department's website. Currently, the most recent item under the "press releases" tab on the website is from 2012.

Semelsberger said he hopes to use the site to keep residents up to date with what is going on in the department.

Since starting at the department as a patrolman on May 1, 1989, Semelsberger rose through the ranks, most recently being named deputy chief in 2011.

Semelsberger lives in Palatine with his wife, Cindy, and their three children.