A community search committee has more than two dozen applications to review as it works toward a recommendation on DeKalb’s next Chief of Police.
City Manager Bill Nicklas says the application process produced a diverse pool of candidates. 27 people from across the country, including two internal candidates, applied by the time the application period closed on Tuesday.
“There’s a range of experience in the candidate pool. Some people have served as chief, and some have an extensive record of responsible leadership at the command level that makes them eligible,” said Nicklas. “Some candidates need more time in the profession, but that’s their ambition and it’s good to see.”
The applications will now go to a search committee made up of eight community members. The members are:
• Earnell Brown, Founder and Executive Director of the Sir Donald Foundation, Black Lives Matter organizer
• John Walker, youth mentor and long-time resident, DeKalb Human Relations Commission member
• Glenn Roby, Phi Sigma Kappa NIU Chapter Advisor, Annie Glidden North Board member
• Monique Bernoundy, NIU Assistant Vice President of Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Lisa King, Interim Co-director of the NIU CHANCE program, DeKalb Township Trustee, DeKalb Human Relations Commission member
• Will Heinisch, DeKalb Area Rental Association President
• Mike Pittsley, owner, Pittsley Realty; Annie Glidden North Board member
• Don Thomas, retired Sycamore Police Chief
The committee will likely meet next week to begin narrowing down the field to the candidates who will be interviewed.
“I’m very pleased with the dedicated and very thoughtful committee that we have,” said Nicklas. “Everyone is eager to find the right fit that includes forward-thinking and engaged leadership.”
Two additional committees will assist with the interviews. The first committee will be made up of city employees, including members of the FOP, IAFF, ASFCME and management. Local law enforcement leaders will make up the second committee. There will also be multiple meetings when the finalists will get to meet the members of the DeKalb Police Department.
The community search committee will make a final recommendation to the City Council.
“The city manager, by code, makes the decision but I will be deferring to the Council,” said Nicklas.
Nicklas expects a recommendation will be made in early March.