Mitchell appointed as Orland Park chief of police after unanimous vote
Joseph Mitchell (right) is sworn in by Mayor Keith Pekau as chief of police Tuesday, Sept. 8, after receiving unanimous support from the Village of Orland Park Board of Trustees. PHOTOS BY JON DEPAOLIS/RICHARD FREE PRESS
By Jon DePaolis
ORLAND PARK, Ill. — A familiar face is officially taking the reins as the new chief of police in the Village of Orland Park.
The Village of Orland Park Board of Trustees voted 7-0 Tuesday, Sept. 8, to approve the appointment of Joseph Mitchell to the role of chief of police — removing the interim tag that Mitchell had since former Chief Tim McCarthy retired earlier this summer.
After Mitchell was sworn in during the Village Board meeting, Mayor Keith Pekau said it was his “great pleasure” to call Mitchell the new chief of police.
“Retired Chief McCarthy felt that you were the man for the job and helped develop your skills so that you could seamlessly step into the role,” Pekau said. “Like him, I have the utmost confidence in you.”
Newly appointed Orland Park Police Chief Joseph Mitchell (left) is congratulated by retired Police Chief Tim McCarthy Tuesday, Sept. 8, during the Village of Orland Park Board of Trustees meeting. PHOTOS BY JON DEPAOLIS/RICHARD FREE PRESS
Trustee Kathleen Fenton also congratulated Mitchell, who had been deputy chief for five years prior to his appointment as interim chief.
“He’s got a fantastic staff to work with, and they are a super dedicated bunch of individuals,” Fenton said of Mitchell and the police department. “That’s why Orland Park’s police department is the No. 1 in the nation. Good luck. If you ever need anything, you know this board and staff is here to support you.”
Village Manager George Koczwara — whose recommendation it was to appoint Mitchell to the position — further elaborated on why he felt Mitchell was the right fit for the chief of police role.
“He has the pedigree for this position,” Koczwara said of Mitchell after the meeting concluded. “He has the experience for this position. [Mitchell] has been the interim chief for about six weeks, and it was a seamless transition. So, it made that decision that much easier.”
After the ceremony, Mitchell thanked Koczwara, the mayor and the Village Board members for their confidence in him.
“I’ll work hard for you each and every day,” he said.
He also thanked McCarthy, who was on hand to help with the ceremony.
“He’s my mentor,” Mitchell said of the former chief. “For 26 years, he hired me and brought me through this organization.
“I promise that I will protect his legacy here in Orland Park. This is his department, and it always will be his department.”