Orland Park showered retiring police Chief Tim McCarthy with praise Monday at the last Village Board meeting he was set to attend in an official capacity.
Mayor Keith Pekau read a proclamation declaring Aug. 2, the day after McCarthy is set to wrap up his tenure as chief, as Chief Timothy J. McCarthy Day in honor of the longtime law enforcement professional.
Pekau touted the chief’s prior work with the U.S. Secret Service, his 26 years at the helm of the Orland Park Police Department and numerous accolades, including progress he helped to lead in the village.
“Chief McCarthy has faithfully and diligently served the Village as its chief of police by providing steadfast and dependable leadership to the men and women of the Orland Park Police Department throughout his entire tenure,” Pekau read from the proclamation.
On a personal level, Pekau said it was his honor to recognize McCarthy’s work.
“He’s been an absolute professional since Day 1,” Pekau said.
Following the proclamation and a standing ovation from the crowd, which included a line of fellow law enforcement professionals, his wife and other family members, McCarthy said he closes a 48-year career feeling good about where he found the Police Department and where it is now.
“It’s been the policy of the Orland Park Village Board to recognize that it’s a professional department and allow them to do their job,” McCarthy said. “It’s a rare day when I get a call from a village trustee or even the mayor requesting anything from the police department. It is absolutely outstanding, and I think the results prove that’s the proper way to govern.”
McCarthy thanked both sworn law enforcement officers and civilians, many by name, who supported his initiatives.
“As I fade into the sunset of retirement, I do so knowing that, mission accomplished, the department is in good hands,” he said.
Trustee Kathy Fenton said she was on the board when the village hired McCarthy, and it proved to be an outstanding decision.
“I’d like to personally thank you for the hard work that you’ve done and the leadership that you gave to this fantastic Police Department we have in the village of Orland Park,” Fenton said.
Following an closed session, the Village Board voted to hire Deputy Chief Joseph Mitchell as interim police chief, starting Aug. 2.
“When one door shuts, another one opens,” said Trustee Cynthia Nelson Katsenes. “We have a wonderful man named Deputy Chief Joe, who will be our interim chief … and look forward to working with him, hopefully, as our next police chief.”
“I hope he becomes the chief,” McCarthy told the board. “You couldn’t find a better person to take over the reins.”
Village manager George Koczwara said some details, including Mitchell’s salary, had not been finalized.
Bill Jones is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
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