Unexpected Departure Of Western Springs Top Cop

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – Three weeks after he was sworn in, Western Springs' interim police chief is leaving.

Terry Mee's last day is Wednesday. He took the helm Nov. 8, a few days after former Chief Brian Budds left to take the same job in Buffalo Grove.

Now, Deputy Chief Ashlee Niezgoda is becoming interim chief until a new chief is appointed.

"Due to the short timeline between his notice and the actual departure of (Budds), (Mee) was contracted to provide his expertise and support during this significant transition," village spokeswoman Selmin Cicek said in a statement Tuesday. "Chief Mee has shared valuable feedback and filled an important role."

Over the past six weeks, Cicek said, Niezgoda has clearly demonstrated her skills and capacity. Village Manager Ellen Baer approached Niezgoda to consider leading the police department until the chief's position is filled, Cicek said.

Niezgoda agreed to accept the additional responsibility on an interim basis, according to the village.

"This will not only provide continuity and stability within the Department but will also yield a significant savings to the Village’s operating budget," Cicek said.

She said the village thanked Mee for being willing to step in on short notice. Budds gave the village at least three weeks' notice of his resignation.

Niezgoda takes over a department that has seen significant changes in the last year. Her predecessor, Deputy Chief Daniel Albrecht, left under a cloud in the spring. And the rank-and-file officers' union has gone without a contract for more than six months.

Mee has four decades of police experience, having most recently served as interim chief in Oak Brook.

Patch left a message for comment with Mee.