Former Elk Grove chief to head Carol Stream Police Department

A former Elk Grove Village police chief and current village trustee, Stephen Schmidt, has been chosen to serve as interim director of Carol Stream's police department.

He began work Tuesday to replace Ed Sailer, who retired Oct. 4 after 33 years with the department, including more than four as chief.

A 41-year veteran of the Elk Grove department, Schmidt retired in 2016 after 17 years as chief. His career began as a patrol officer and included serving as a field evidence technician, "Officer Friendly" in crime prevention, traffic specialist, sergeant, commander and deputy chief.

He holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of Illinois and a master's in management and development of human resources from National Louis University. In addition, he graduated from the FBI Academy, Senior Executive Institute at the University of Virginia, and the School of Police Staff and Command at Northwestern University.

He joined the village board in May.

Schmidt's contract is for six months with an option to renew for up to an additional six months, Village Manager Bob Mellor said. He will work as an independent contractor and be paid $11,500 a month with the expectation he will work 850 hours over the six months. He will not be eligible for any additional pension benefits.

Mellor said Schmidt will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day police department operations and for mentoring members of the police department command staff interested in pursuing the chief's position on a permanent basis. Mellor said the department has dealt with a number of recent retirements and promotions and Schmidt's interim stint will give internal candidates more time to prepare for the job.