Riverside Police Chief Eugene Karczewski, who came to the village in 1996 and whipped the department into a highly trained, professional unit, has announced he’s retiring at the end of the year.
Karczewski, 61, said that after 42 years in law enforcement, he’s retiring to spend more time with his family and to work side by side with his son, Michael, who runs a Bridgeview financial services firm.
“This village has been very good to me, and it’s been a privilege to be their chief,” Karczewski said. “We’ve got young guys who are here in the department with leadership ability and experience.”
A replacement for Karczewski has not been named, and Village Manager Kathleen Rush wouldn’t speculate on whom the village board might consider. Assistant Chief Thomas Weitzel would appear to be a logical choice, but he declined to comment when asked about his interest in the job.
“I think the board is going to go about finding a replacement in a very deliberate manner,” said Rush. “I’m sure that will include deliberation on the talented staff we have.”
Rush said the board would begin considering such matters in May.
Karczewski is expected to remain on board through September, although his employment contract with the village, which is scheduled to be renewed at Monday night’s meeting of the village board, will continue until Jan. 11, 2008. At that time, Karczewski will have spent 12 years as Riverside’s police chief.
Prior to coming to Riverside, Karczewski spent 30 years as a police officer in Chicago, rising through the ranks to lieutenant. When he retired from the Chicago force in 1996, he was a commanding officer in the department’s internal affairs division.
For a full report, read the Landmark on April 18.