Bartlett Police Chief Ullrich to retire in August; Deputy Chief Pretkelis to succeed him

Bartlett Police Chief Patrick Ullrich will retire next month and be succeeded by Deputy Chief Geoffrey Pretkelis.

Ullrich, who has served as chief since January 2017, began his career in Bartlett as a community service officer in 1998. Since then, he has served as a crime prevention officer, DARE instructor, and emergency vehicle course instructor.

During his tenure as chief, Ullrich oversaw construction of the village's state-of-the-art police station and the use of the STARCOM21 radio communications system. He also introduced the department's part-time social worker program, police dog and its use of Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT) training for defusing critical incidents.

Ullrich's retirement will become effective on Saturday, Aug. 6, and Pretkelis will be sworn in as police chief on Monday, Aug. 8.

Pretkelis has served the department for 25 years, including as deputy chief of support services since January 2017. He's also been a traffic officer, school resource officer and public services bureau sergeant.

He has advanced executive development training certifications from the FBI National Academy, Police Executive Research Forum's Senior Management Institute for Police, Northwestern University School of Staff and Command, and the Delinquency Control Institute at University of Southern California. Pretkelis also holds a master's of business administration degree from Judson University.