New Montgomery Police Chief Hosts Meet & Greet

MONTGOMERY, IL — Phillip J. Smith will be sworn in as the new Montgomery chief of police at the next village board meeting at 7 p.m. May 14. Before the meeting, from 6 to 7 p.m., Smith will hold an informal “Meet and Greet” in the Community Room at the Village Hall, 200 N. River St. Residents and business owners are invited to meet the new chief, ask questions and discuss policing concerns and initiatives. Light refreshments will be provided.

Smith has been serving as chief of police in Berkeley, Illinois for the past four years. During his previous 23-year career with the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office he served in diverse roles, including deputy sheriff, narcotics investigator, detective, sergeant and police operations commander.

His experience also includes eight years as the tactical commander for a multi-jurisdictional Tactical Response Team.

Smith holds a master of arts in law enforcement and justice administration from Western Illinois University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Northwestern University’s Executive Management Program and the School of Police Staff and Command.

Smith takes over for Chief Daniel Meyers, who retired in April.

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