Garry McCarthy will be named Thursday as the interim police chief in Willow Springs.
Chicago’s former top cop McCarthy hired to lead Willow Springs police
By Steve Metsch
Garry McCarthy, former superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, has been appointed interim police chief in Willow Springs.
A news conference is set for 10 a.m. Thursday at the village hall to announce the move.
McCarthy replaces James Ritz, who submitted his resignation as police chief to Village Administrator Ryan Grace on Tuesday. Grace did not comment on the resignation.
Asked Wednesday how the village connected with McCarthy, Grace said: “I reached out to a mutual friend asking for qualified applicants and was provided Mr. McCarthy’s information.”
McCarthy has agreed to be interim police chief for six months, Grace said.
“The Willow Springs Police Department is an integral part of our community,” Mayor Melissa Neddermeyer said in a news release.
“We are a community that believes in and supports police,” she said.
“Bringing on an interim chief with the experience and knowledge that Mr. McCarthy has will set our department on the right track for the future.” the mayor said.
Ritz had been police chief about three and one-half years, Grace said.
Ritz, who grew up in Lyons, formerly was a commander on the Lyons Police Department. After that, Ritz was police chief in Berwyn before taking the job in Willow Springs.
McCarthy will be sworn in at a village board meeting later this month.
Local News
Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.
Neighbors
Orland Park Library collecting candy wrappers
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Candy has taken on a whole new life at one local library. The Orland Park Public Library, 14921 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park, is happy to announce the launch of its very first Trash or Treasure candy wrapper recycling campaign. The Trash or Treasure program helps reduce the waste that…
Hickory Hills adds new police officer
Spread the loveBy Nuha Abdessalam Hickory Hills Police Chief Jason Bray welcomed Andre Showers as the city’s newest police officer during last week’s city council meeting. Aldermen and the community at the April 11 meeting helped celebrate the induction of the Showers, 21. He’s an Army veteran and a 2023 Cook County Correctional Camp graduate…
Marist celebrates cultural diversity
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Marist High School appreciates the wide array of culture that walks its campus hallways on a daily basis. In order to celebrate, the high school, 4200 W. 115th St., Chicago, hosted its second annual Celebration of Culture on March 14. During the free event, students, faculty and staff represented their…
Palos Heights Knights of Columbus donate to GiGi’s Playhouse
Spread the loveGrand Knight John Laskey and Past Grand Knight Brian Mellenthin of St. Theodore Guerin Knights of Columbus Council 14057 presented a check for $1,500 to GiGi’s Playhouse of Tinley Park, one of several donations to local groups resulting from the Knights of Columbus’ Fall Tootsie Roll Drive. One of the most recognizable activities…
Worth police join task force to combat auto thefts
Spread the loveBy Joe Boyle An agreement has been reached between the villages of Worth and Thornton regarding participation in the Illinois Statewide Auto Theft Task Force. Worth Police Chief Tim Denton said the approval of the memorandum to participate in the task force is necessary. “It’s no secret that there has been an increase…
A simple idea for Earth Day
Spread the love. By Mary Stanek Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon 3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 517-7796 . Moving right along through April, as the days get longer and nicer, time will start to go by faster. We have Earth Day on April 22 and the start of Passover at sunset.…
Bingo at St. Clare was something to yell about
Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . Recently I mentioned a bingo fundraiser the Augustinian Young Adults of St. Rita of Cascia Parish were holding. This was their first attempt at a bingo and they put on a really nice event. Held…
One thing is certain: life goes on
Spread the love. Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327 . I get a lot of calls from residents who are discouraged about our neighborhood. There are so many car accidents, shootings and violent crimes being committed in West Lawn and surrounding areas. It certainly is challenging to stay hopeful and positive. Here is a paragraph…
Biz groups battle over names, logos
Spread the love. UBAM, MCC trade barbs . By Dermot Connolly and Tim Hadac The leader of one Midway-area business association is accusing the other of bad faith, and the leader of the other is scratching her head over the dustup. United Business Association of Midway Executive Director Anita Cummings recently claimed that a rival…