City of DeKalb Police Chief Gene Lowery announced his retirement effective May 31, 2019. Lowery has served in this role for the past seven years. He came to DeKalb following a short tenure with the Crystal Lake Police Department.
The announcement was made through a City of DeKalb media release. In a recent interview with City Manager Bill Nicklas, Nicklas commented on his positive relationship with Chief Lowery. “Gene is a first class professional and has made great strides in making the community a safer place to live,” said Nicklas.
During Lowery’s time as Chief, several changes have been made to the DeKalb Police Department. The police department moved to a new building at 700 West Lincoln Highway from its cramped space at the DeKalb Municipal Building on South Fourth Street. The department also created the Safe Streets Initiative, a program meant to improve safety in neighborhoods around the NIU campus. The relationship with the NIU Police staff also improved. Lowery and many of his officers worked to improve relationships with the younger population of DeKalb with the creation of a program known as Camp Power.
Local businessman and event coordinator, Michael Embrey, acknowledged the success of Chief Lowery during his tenure in DeKalb. “I met Gene his first week in DeKalb and he offered to help with the planning and effectiveness of the Kishwaukee Fest Parade,” said Embrey. “Gene’s knowledge of working with special events made planning various activities more successful and safe for attendees.”
Chief Lowery served 21 years with the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office and retired there as undersheriff before coming to DeKalb. From 1979 to 1989, he worked in his hometown at the Ottawa Police Department.
Lowery holds a Master’s in Law Enforcement Administration from Western Illinois University and completed two sessions at the FBI Academy.
Gene Lowery and his wife Caroline supported a variety of events and activities in DeKalb and will be missed.
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