Olivia K. Leonard for the Daily Review Atlas filed this report:
The City of Monmouth announced William (Bill) Feithen will be the next Chief of Police and promoted Lt. Joe Switzer to the position of Deputy Chief at Monday evening’s meeting.
Feithen has served in DeKalb the past 37 years, with the last 11 years as chief of the DeKalb Police Department. Feithen is a graduate of Northern Illinois University where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology/Criminology and a Master of Arts in Public Administration. He also earned a Associate in Applied Science in Law Enforcement from Kishwaukee College.
In a press release, Feithen said, “I am honored to be chosen as Monmouth’s next chief of police. I wish to thank City Administrator (Eric) Hanson, the mayor and Council for selecting me. I am excited to begin working with the members of the Monmouth Police Department and the citizens of Monmouth. I look forward to partnering with the community to enhance public safety.”
The City of Monmouth worked with the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILCAP) in selecting Feithen. He will officially start on Feb. 27.
There’s something about Monmouth and good lawmen. Wyatt Earp was born in Monmouth, on March 19, 1848, to widower Nicholas Porter Earp and Virginia Ann Cooksey. Bill Feithen is a good lawman. He’s going to be a great Chief of Police for Monmouth because he’s been one for DeKalb through some pretty tough times.
Example of professionalism. At a press conference jammed pack with TV cameras from the major networks to give the public an update on a then unsolved murder a journalist-and-a-jerk said to Feithen, in the form of a question, “Chief, you don’t look emotional enough. There just doesn’t seem to be much outrage…” The reporter paused to get reaction.
Feithen took his glasses off and looked directly at the reporter. He slowly repeated the question without breaking eye contact. The reporter shrank, Feithen put his glasses back on and the next question was asked as the press conference moved on.
Good luck Chief Feithen. Thanks for your service.
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