After 33 Years, Wheaton Police Chief Murphy Announces Retirement

WHEATON, IL — After more than three decades with the Wheaton Police Department, Chief Bill Murphy is getting ready to hang up his proverbial hat. Murphy, is set to retire on Sept. 25, officials announced Friday.

Murphy began his career with the Wheaton Police Department in 1990 as a community patrol officer. Over the years, Murphy made his way through the ranks, serving in a number of roles, including detective, sergeant, lieutenant and later, deputy chief of police.

He was appointed as the city's Chief of Police in 2018.

In a statement, Chief Murphy called his time with the Wheaton Police Department "an honor and a privilege."

He added, “The work we do is not easy, but it is incredibly rewarding. The [camaraderie] is special and synergistic when you have good people working toward the common goal of community safety."

Some hallmarks of Murphy's career include:

• Increasing community transparency
• Implementing body-worn cameras
• Hiring social workers
• Incorporating automated license plate readers
• Encouraging resident engagement

City Manager Mike Dzugan praised Murphy for his "professionalism, humility and drive for innovation," especially during "some extraordinarily challenging times.'

Residents are welcome to attend the Wheaton City Council meeting at 7 p.m. on Sept. 18 for a ceremony in honor of Chief Murphy.

As of Aug. 11, no information was available about the search for a successor to take on the mantle from Murphy.