Weiss Named River Forest Police Chief

Gregory Weiss has been named police chief in River Forest.

The appointment took place at Monday's village board meeting, where trustees approved Village President John Rigas' recommendation with a 6-0 vote.

"As a police department family, we’re happy for him," said Sgt. Michael Thornley. "We're happy he’s achieved what he wanted to achieve from a personal and career standpoint.

"And, you know, the chief is a good guy."

His salary was set at $115,796. Any raises must come from a vote by the village board.

Weiss has been in the interim slot since April 2010, a time of massive change inside village hall which included four key, high-level departures.

In addition to the departure of village administrator Steve Gutierrez, the retirement of public works director Greg Kramer and a village finance director position in flux, the exodus also included police chief Frank Limon, who served as police chief for 18 months before leaving in April 2010 over what former trustees Stephen Hoke and Steve Dudek said was a contract dispute. (via Wednesday Journal)

Fast forward about a year and solidifying the police chief position has been a priority for Rigas and village administrator Eric Palm.

Palm said the search for a permanent police chief began in February. The search committee consisted of Rigas, Palm and trustee Cathy Adduci. The trio interviewed four candidates, Palm said, but it was Weiss who "shined."

"Greg just stood out as the best candidate," Palm said.