Tim McCarthy Named Interim Mokena Police Chief

MOKENA, IL — At Monday's meeting, the village board approved retired Orland Park Police Chief Tim McCarthy as the interim police chief for the Mokena Police Department.

The decision comes after the village received a letter of "no confidence" in Chief Steve Vaccaro from the patrol officers and sergeants of the police department.

Village Administrator John Tomasoski told Patch that the village was "very fortunate" McCarthy was available, citing his experience and strong track record.

Mayor Frank Fleischer agreed with McCarthy's track record and added that this is the "proper way" to handle the situation.

McCarthy will remain interim chief until the independent investigation is completed, Fleischer said.

McCarthy retired from the Orland Park Police Department, where he'd served as chief since 1994, in August. McCarthy formerly served in the U.S. Secret Service and was shot in the line of duty while protecting President Ronald Reagan from an assassination attempt in 1981.