Algonquin Names New Chief Of Police

ALGONQUIN, IL — Dennis Walker has been named the new chief of police at the Algonquin Police Department.

Walker, who first started as a patrol officer with the Algonquin Police Department in 1998, worked his way up through the ranks to eventually become the deputy chief of operations. He will take the place of former police chief John Bucci, who left his post in Algonquin to take a job as undersheriff at the McHenry County Sheriff's Office.

Walker will take over as police chief on Jan. 3.

"We are thrilled to have Dennis Walker as our new Chief and are confident in his ability to lead the Algonquin Police Department," said village board president Debby Sosine. "He has a strong track record of building relationships with our community and promoting fair and just policing practices. We are excited about what his leadership means to the community."

Walker is also an active member of the Algonquin community. He has coached little league baseball behind St. Margaret Mary School and then became a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Margaret Mary Church. Early in his career, Walker accepted the position of school resource officer at Jacobs High School, where he built strong community relationships while creating and coordinated a local peer Jury program to assist with court diversion for juvenile offenders.

Most recently, he has had success as the Deputy Chief of Operations, managing multiple divisions within the police department as well as working creatively with multiple other departments within the village.

Walker has been especially effective in various community engagement programs sponsored by the Algonquin Police Department, including Cop on a Rooftop, National Night Out, and other community events, according to a news release.

Walker has applied specific focus and energy toward positively representing the Algonquin Police Department locally, statewide, and nationally related to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, advocating for those with intellectual disabilities. Through his leadership, the Algonquin Police Department is recognized as a national leader and model agency in this effort, according to the news release.

In his new role as chief of police, Walker will oversee the day-to-day operations of the department and will work to keep relationships between the police and community strong. He will also continue to focus on implementing community policing initiatives and promoting transparency and accountability within the department.

"I am honored to have been selected as the new Chief of Police for the Algonquin Police Department," Walker said. "I look forward to leading the dedicated men and women of the department and working to build upon on our strong partnerships with the community. Together, we will continue to keep Algonquin a safe place for all."