With long-time police chief Mark Field set to retire on Nov. 7, the city has appointed a new head of the police department who is expected to take the reigns on Monday.
City Manager Donald Rose announced Wednesday that Wheaton Police Commander James Volpe has been chosen as the new police chief. The city will make it official during a swearing-in ceremony at city hall at 3 p.m. on Monday.
He will take the place of Field who has been with the Wheaton Police Department for 24 years. The Wheaton City Council honored outgoing Police Chief Mark Field during its Nov. 2 meeting.
Volpe has been employed by the city of Wheaton since 1983. During this time, he has served as a Patrol Officer (1983 – 1993), Shift Commander/Sergeant (1993 – 2001), Watch Commander/Lieutenant (2001 – 2009) and as Division Commander – Investigations (2009 to the present). Commander Volpe also has served as the Commander for the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (1999 – 2009).
Volpe received a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Illinois State University in 1980. He obtained a Juris Doctorate Degree from DePaul University Law School in 1992. Volpe has served as an instructor for the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) in physical training, defensive tactics and legal education. He has also served as an Adjunct Instructor at Northwest Multi-Regional Training (NEMRT) in the use of force and physical fitness and wellness.
Volpe’s compensation will be $144,000 per year.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
