Interim Joliet Police Chief Announced By City Manager

JOLIET, IL - Joliet City Manager David Hales issued a press release late Friday afternoon announcing he has made Deputy Police Chief Al Roechner the interim police chief of Joliet, the state's third largest city.

“Deputy Chief Roechner’s leadership abilities and extensive police command knowledge and experience will allow him to provide the critical guidance to our existing personnel during this time of transition," Hales said in a press release. "His budgeting and financial experience will be an asset in helping to shape the Police department 2019 budget request in the months ahead.

"I am very much looking forward to working with Roechner during the next few months until a permanent Chief is named.”

Roechner has been with the department for 27 years including the past nine years in a command post, the city noted.

“I am confident my almost three-decades of service and leadership to the City will provide a smooth transition for the residents and leaders of our community," Roechner said in press statement.

Roechner will move into the interim chief's role next Thursday, Aug. 30.

He "will continue to serve as such until the position is filled permanently," the city advised.

He and his wife, Nancy Griparis, are life-long residents of Joliet and enjoy spending time with their three adult daughters, Catherine, Hallie and Zoe, and one grandson, Nico, Joliet noted.

Roechner replaces Brian Benton, 49, who recently announced plans to retire after a rough past year on the job.

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Image of Al Roechner furnished via city of Joliet