Bolingbrook Public Safety Director Tom Ross Retires

BOLINGBROOK, IL - Bolingbrook's Public Safety Director Tom Ross, who has overseen both the village of Bolingbrook's police and fire departments since January 2015, recently announced his retirement, after less than three years in the job. The village has posted information about Ross' retirement as well as information about his replacement, Ken Teppel, on Bolingbrook's website.

“Tom has faithfully served the Village for three decades, and has done an outstanding job during his time as director," Bolingbrook's long-time Mayor Roger Claar said in the statement. "Both the police and fire departments have stronger relationships throughout our diverse community thanks to his committed engagement with all our residents. The trustees and I are grateful for his dedication and leadership."

In 2016, Ross made an annual salary of $142,310, which put him slightly under the pay for Claar, who made $143,071 as Bolingbrook's highest paid salaried official.

Ross joined the Bolingbrook Police Department in October 1987 at age 21. "In my particular situation, with 30 years of service and at 51 years of age, the Illinois Police pension system encourages retirement," Ross said in the statement posted on Bolingbrook's website.

Ross also indicated he was proud of his work during his nearly three years as the public safety director for Bolingbrook, which has a current population of 76,000.

"Over the past three years the crime rate has continued to decline and Bolingbrook is a safer community," Ross said.

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To replace Ross, Bolingbrook's mayor announced Ken Teppel will take over as the new public safety director. According to the village, Teppel has worked for Bolingbrook's Police Department for 26 years and has been serving as deputy chief in his most recent role.

"He is a lifelong resident of Bolingbrook who was first hired as a police cadet in 1988 and then as a patrol officer in 1990," Bolingbrook announced.

Image of Tom Ross via village of Bolingbrook

Secondary image from 2015: from left, Commander Mike Rompa, Lieutenant John Hild, Public Safety Director Tom Ross, Sergeant Scott Lustik, Deputy Chief Ken Teppel. Credit: Bolingbrook police.