Deetjen Resigns Before Meeting To Review Hit-and-Run Evidence

OAK LAWN, IL — Larry Deetjen announced his retirement as the village manager of Oak Lawn. His resignation came mere hours before the village board was to hold a special meeting Tuesday evening to review evidence from an accident that happened last month, in which Deetjen is accused of leaving the scene after he struck a pedestrian in Chicago Ridge.

Deetjen, who was placed on paid administrative leave last month following the Oct. 10 accident, notified Mayor Sandra Bury and the rest of the village trustees earlier Tuesday of his intent to retire. The 70-year-old Deetjen was charged last week with traffic misdemeanors ranging from failure to exercise caution to leaving the scene of an accident and failure to render aid to an injured person.

In his letter to the village board, Deetjen said he would be available in the weeks ahead to provide “full professional assistance in a smooth and effective transition. Deetjen has served as village manager, overseeing the village’s day-to-day operations, since 2007.

Deetjen thanked his management team and village employees for their dedication in advancing the quality of life for Oak Lawn residents, youth, healthcare and businesses. During his tenure as village manager, Deetjen often found himself in the fray of village politics.

“It has been a unique and distinct honor to represent Oak Lawn and be a small part of the whirlwind of positive milestones we have achieved by all working together during my 12-plus year tenure,” Deetjen stated in his letter of resignation. “Many more positive opportunities are either in the construction, planning, or vision stages…”

Deetjen also thanked residents, stating that he and his family would always have a special place in their hearts for Oak Lawn and the South Side. “Stay strong Oak Lawn and thank you for the humble opportunity to serve,” he said.

Oak Lawn Police Chief Randy Palmer was named acting village manager following a special board meeting on Oct. 14, in which Deetjen was placed on paid administrative leave. A search for Deetjen’s successor will be announced in the coming weeks.