New Batavia Police Chief Chosen To Succeed Retiring Chief Shawn Mazza

BATAVIA, IL — A new chief of police has been selected to succeed retiring Chief Shawn Mazza, city officials announced Friday.

Effective Jan. 14, Deputy Chief of Operations Eric Blowers will take over from Mazza, who announced his retirement in June after 26 years with the Batavia Police Department, officials said.

Schielke will administer the oath of office to Blowers during City Council's next meeting, beginning at 7 p.m. Jan. 6.

"A true leader inspires others to follow not through authority, but by example," Mazza said in a statement. "I am confident that our department is in great hands with Eric's dedication, integrity, and vision. As I step aside, I trust he will continue to build on our foundation and lead with courage and heart. The future is bright under Eric's watch."

The outgoing chief will also be honored at the upcoming meeting. Mazza joined the Batavia Police Department in 1999 and has served as chief of police since September 2022. He plans to focus on humanitarian work and spend time with his wife and four children, Patch reported.

"Chief Mazza has made an immeasurable impact on the Batavia Police Department and played an integral role in strengthening the relationship between the department and the community," Blowers said in a statement. "His unwavering leadership and commitment to the community will surely be missed."

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Blowers began his law enforcement career when he joined the Batavia Police Department 17 years ago. He began as a patrol officer in 2007 and advanced to various positions over the years, including detective, patrol sergeant, watch commander and detective watch commander.

Blowers received his bachelor's degree in law enforcement and justice administration from Western Illinois University. He and his wife, Diane, live in Geneva with their two children.

To begin his tenure as chief, Blowers will oversee a department of 43 full-time sworn-in officers and 12 civilian employees.

"I am privileged to work alongside the many dedicated men and women of the Batavia Police Department who serve our citizens with pride and integrity," Blowers said. "Their commitment to public safety and passion for helping others make the Batavia Police Department the outstanding organization it is."

Among the incoming chief's goals are to enhance the department's training programs and pursue police accreditation through the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, according to a news release from the City of Batavia. He also plans to continue a comprehensive facility assessment to ensure the department is housed in a modern facility and equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

The soon-to-be-vacated deputy chief of operations role will be filled by Detective Sergeant Gary La Barbera. He has been with the police department since 2005 and is a U.S. Army veteran who served in Uzbekistan and Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001, officials said.

"Sergeant La Barbera's commitment to the Batavia Police Department and his high standards of service and dedication to the citizens of Batavia make him the perfect fit for the position of deputy chief," Blowers said.