Deerfield Police Commander Retires

Walt Trillhaase, a Commander with the Deerfield Police Department, completed his final shift after 26 years with the department Tuesday night.

Police cars, fire trucks and public works vehicles had their flashers on to celebrate Trillhaase’s career in law enforcement, which spanned more than three decades and included stops in both New Jersey and Wauconda before relocating to Deerfield.

“Police need to see our support because of all the scary things going on with officers being killed lately,” said Angela Trillhaase, Walt’s wife. “All of our officers are brave and need to see that the vast majority of the public supports them.”

Despite his retirement, Trillhaase’s connection to law enforcement will extend for several years into the future. His daughter, Kiersten, has been an officer for more than two years in Highland Park.

According to Angela - someone who has experienced the fears of both her husband and daughter taking on an occupation that doesn’t guarantee you’ll come home at the end of the day - you “can’t live life worrying about when the next bad thing is going to happen.”

“It’s the small towns where some of the worst tragedies happen,” Angela said. “ Like Littleton (Colorado) and Newtown (Connecticut).

“So let’s make sure no one ever knows where Deerfield, Illinois is.”

Prior to being a Commander, Trillhaase had served as a sergeant and was involved in investigations.

Deerfield Police Department photo.