Eric Rossi is the new police chief in Orland Park. (Photo by Jeff Vorva)
Rossi sworn in as Orland Park’s top cop
By Jeff Vorva
There was a heavy police presence at Monday’s Village of Orland Park Board of Trustees meeting, but it had nothing to do with controversy over a hot-button issue, which usually brings the men and women in blue to meetings.
No, this gathering of cops both young and old were to witness the swearing in of their new police chief—one who rose through their own ranks.
Eric Rossi, the interim chief since April after Joseph Mitchell retired in late March, takes the top spot after the board unanimously approved the 44-year-old Rossi’s appointment
He has seemingly done it all as an Orland Park policeman in the past 17 years. He’s been a patrol officer, bicycle patrol officer, field training officer, investigator, patrol sergeant, lieutenant in administration, investigations commander and deputy chief.
After being sworn in, Rossi had some thanking to do, especially when it came to his family.
“To my friends and family who took time out of their day to come here, I thank you,” he said. “Thank you for your support throughout the years and everything you have ever done for me.
“To my wife, my mom and dad and two daughters, thank you for everything. The 2 a.m. phone calls, the 39 hours working a murder case…thank you.
“To the men and women of the Orland Park Police Department, these are the workers who make this town safe. Thank you for everything that you do.”
Rossi has also served on the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force as an investigator and assistant commander.
“You are going to do a great job,” Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau said at the meeting. “I know we picked the right guy. I know that the chiefs that preceded you worked you all the way up the department for this role.
They trained you, they prepared you and they know that you’re ready. We know that you’re ready. So, we’re looking forward to your tenure as chief.”
The past two chiefs, Mitchell and Tim McCarthy, were on hand to support Rossi.
Trustee Sean Kampas said that Rossi has been trained by the best.
“It’s been a distinct pleasure to learn about the operations of a world-class police department that has been built on a culture of excellence,” he said. “It’s especially fitting that the torch of leadership be passed with someone who is as intimately involved in the continuous improvement of the department as you have been over your many years of service.
“In our individual conversations with Chief Mitchell and Chief McCarthy and the discussions with the women and men of the department, I have no doubt that you demonstrate expert competency as well as a high degree of passion for the officers and the staff of the department, the security of our businesses and the safety of our residents.”
Rossi is a graduate of Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Eastern Illinois University and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Lewis University. He is married and has two children.
He was raised in Tinley Park, attended Andrew High School and served as a caddy at Crystal Tree Country Club growing up.
He takes over for Mitchell, who left to become the chief in Wilmington. Mitchell was with the force for 27 years including the past two years as chief.
Pekau addressed the police in attendance and lauded them for their work over the years.
“Chief Rossi coming through the department from the very beginning is a reflection on all of you and what a great department that we have from top to bottom,” the mayor said. “We can develop our own leaders and we do throughout the department. We have the best department in the state of Illinois and that’s because of you and it’s because of the leadership.”
1 Comment
Local News
Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.
Neighbors
Countryside City Council tackles long list of items
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch Water leaks, a new truck and abandoned vehicles were among a laundry list of items tackled by the Countryside City Council at its latest meeting. They were all from the infrastructure committee chaired by Ald. Mark Benson (3rd). All of the following were approved by a unanimous 6-0 vote on…
Argo High School holds Iftar Dinner for community
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan More than 100 people gathered at Argo Community High School last week for a now annual Ramadan Iftar dinner organized by Argo teacher Nadia Elkhatib. Elkhatib was happy with the turnout for those coming Thursday night to break bread with the school’s Muslim students and their families. “I will continue…
Pool improvements advance in Palos Heights
Spread the loveBy Nuha Abdessalam Palos Heights aldermen last week approved contracts advancing improvements at the municipal pool. Alderman Jefry Key motioned for approval of a letter of agreement with the American Institute of Architects between Williams Architect and the City of Palos Heights for the pool improvement project. Since first proposing pool improvements in…
Teens enjoy Green Hills karaoke party
Spread the loveBy Nuha Abdessalam Palos Hills tweens and teens sang their hearts out for karaoke night at a neighborhood coffee house. Green Hills Library invited all tweens and teens for a karaoke night at Strange Brew Cafe on West 103rd Street and 87th Street on Feb. 22. Organized by Green Hill Library Youth Program…
Cervantinos Authentic Mexican Restaurant opens in Palos Heights
Spread the loveBy Kelly White When choosing a location for his second business location, Luis Garcia knew he wanted it to be Palos Heights. “I absolutely love it here,” Luis Garcia, of Oak Forest and the owner and chef of Cervantinos Authentic Mexican Restaurant #2, said. “It’s a great area, nice clientele and I’m happy…
Worth Polar Plunge raises record amount
Spread the loveBy Joe Boyle The FOP Worth Polar Plunge has been deemed a major success and local officials said the amount raised has set a new record. The annual event, sponsored by the Worth Police Department, took place in a large swimming pool that was put up in the parking lot of the Marrs-Meyer…
Green Hills Public Library hosts Eid Clothing Drive
Spread the loveBy Kelly White The Islamic calendar has two major holidays each year: Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan and celebrates an entire month of fasting, and Eid al-Adha, the festival of the sacrifice that occurs during the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage season. It takes place two lunar months after Ramadan.…
Police Blotter
Spread the loveCHICAGO RIDGE DUI Orlando De La Rosa, 32, of Berwyn, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at 2:29 a.m. March 8 in the 9200 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said he failed field sobriety tests and refused to submit a breath sample. He was also…
Oak Lawn seeks participants for Fourth of July parade
Spread the loveBy Joe Boyle It may be spring, but it is not too early to talk about a summer parade. The Oak Lawn Village Board approved a resolution Tuesday morning authorizing the submission of a permit request to the Illinois Department of Transportation for the 2024 Fourth of July Parade. The resolution approves the…
Sandburg welcomes new associate principal of instruction
Spread the loveConsolidated High School District 230 Board of Education is welcoming Dr. Veronica Shaw to Carl Sandburg High School as its new Associate Principal of Instruction. She begins July 1 and replaces Anita Huffman who was recently appointed as District 230’s Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services. With ample education leadership experience, Shaw is currently…
Congratulations! We’re proud to have you as our Police Chief.