Northern Star
DeKALB – Illinois State Police Col. David Byrd has been named DeKalb’s newest police chief for the DeKalb Police Department. Byrd will also become the city’s first Black police chief in its 135-year history.
“As soon as I put on that uniform, it’s time to go and I’ll be ready, so thank you for the opportunity,” Byrd said at Monday’s City Council meeting.
Byrd is a 31-year veteran of the Illinois State Police and was appointed as the deputy director for the Division of Patrol of the Illinois State Police in August 2020. Byrd has held several positions over the years including assistant deputy director for the Office of the Director, north region commander and commander of District Chicago.
City manager announces citizen-led search committee for new police chief
DeKALB – City Manager Bill Nicklas announced at Monday’s City Council meeting that a community search committee for a new DeKalb police chief has been established following months of discussion.
Conversations regarding a citizen-led committee to oversee the police department and to improve the hiring policies for officers started over the summer as calls for police reform intensified.
Interim Police Chief Bob Redel took the position in June after former Interim Police Chief John Petragallo retired after 26 years of service.
Nicklas said the search for a new police chief began earlier this year but was suspended due to COVID-19, and was later suspended indefinitely to hear what the community wanted.