Clarendon Hills Top Cop Retires

CLARENDON HILLS, IL – Clarendon Hills' police chief retired Tuesday, and his successor was installed.

The retirement of Chief Paul Dalen, who took the helm in 2017, was announced at a Village Board meeting.

It was the same session in which the board quietly approved a retirement agreement for Fire Chief Brian Leahy, who was placed on paid administrative leave months ago. The pair's combined service amounted to more than eight decades.

During the meeting, the board swore in police Sgt. Ed Leinweber as the new police chief. Leinweber joined the department nearly a quarter century ago.

At the meeting, the board approved a contract with Dalen to serve in the temporary position of public safety director. Under the agreement, he will make $85 an hour as an independent contractor with no benefits. The civilian position could last up to a year.

Among other things, Dalen is being asked to recruit a new fire chief. Dalen is also supposed to oversee a policy and training overhaul in the fire department, including a payroll transition.

He is expected to serve as a mentor for the leadership in the police and fire departments. He is also being asked to look at opportunities for sharing police and fire services with neighboring towns.

Dalen, who grew up in Clarendon Hills, started with the department three decades ago. In 2017, Dalen, then a sergeant, succeeded Chief Boyd Farmer.

Village President Zach Creer said Dalen was a "huge asset" for the village. He said Dalen would make sure things are being done properly, adding that the fire department has fallen behind on procedures and training.

Leinweber's appointment was a surprise. His installation did not follow the village's ordinance.

According to Leinweber's LinkedIn page, he was hired as a Clarendon Hills patrol officer in 2000 and promoted to detective in 2006.

Since 2013, Leinweber has been a sergeant.

"He is a highly respected member of the police department," Village President Eric Tech said before Leinweber's swearing-in.