Wheeling’s police chief for the last 15 years, Michael F. Haeger, 49, has surprised village officials by announcing that he is retiring effective Dec. 26.
Village Manager Craig Anderson announced Haeger’s resignation Tuesday evening.
“We were caught off guard by this,” said Mayor Greg Klatecki, who said Haeger has not told him the reason for his resignation.
“He’s given this village 15 years of good service,” said Klatecki.
Haeger’s departure is “rather a complete surprise,” said Joseph Ratajczak, a member of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. Ratajczak said he was “disappointed. I thought the chief has done a marvelous job.”
“I think it’s a great loss to the village,” said John Cole, also of the fire and police board.
“Through (Haeger’s) leadership, the Wheeling Police Department has kept pace with evolving law enforcement practices and technology,” Anderson said.