Sen. Nybo expresses appreciation for police during ceremony for new Westmont Chief

WESTMONT – State Sen. Chris Nybo (R-Elmhurst) administered the oath of office to new Westmont Police Chief James Gunther on Sept. 29 during a regular Village Board meeting in the Westmont Village Hall.

Prior to the swearing-in ceremony, Sen. Nybo spoke about the appreciation and respect he has for police.

“Every day, police officers put on their uniforms and badges to serve and protect the people. Every day, officers accept this responsibility and do a difficult, dangerous, and often thankless job with valor. They sacrifice much in the line of duty, and the toll it takes often goes unseen by the public,” Nybo said.

The 24th District State Senator acknowledged the anti-police sentiment that has resulted in violence against police officers and has caused officers to second-guess how to do their jobs. He said law enforcement officers lay their life on the line every day for civilians even when those civilians are hostile or critical of their actions. He noted that law enforcement officers must make on-the-spot judgment calls, and face high expectations and criticism that most people do not.

“The security and safety we take for granted in our communities is built on the backs of men and women who dedicate their lives to help maintain order and keep us safe. We need to realize that they run toward danger when everyone else is running away,” Nybo said. “I realize it, as do many of Illinois’ residents. And for everything our police officers do, we say a sincere ‘thank you.’”

Gunther had been serving as the Deputy Chief and Acting Chief. He has been a Westmont Police Officer since 1997, promoted to Sergeant in 2006, and Deputy Chief in 2010.

Also on hand at the ceremony was DuPage State’s Attorney Bob Berlin, Mayor Ron Gunter, retiring chief Tom Mulhearn, the board of trustees and several members of the rank and file of the Westmont Police Department.