Frankfort Selects New Police Chief

FRANKFORT, IL - The Village of Frankfort has a new police chief. Leanne Chelepis was sworn in by Mayor Keith Ogle during Tuesday's Village Board meeting. Chelepis is the first woman selected to serve as chief of police, according to Village staff.

Chelepis replaces John Burica, who stepped down from his role as police chief to become assistant Village administrator. Burica served as chief since 2010.

Chelepis joined the Frankfort Police Department in December 2002 as patrol officer. She was promoted to crime prevention in 2006. It was in that role that she initiated a Citizens Police Academy, The Triad Senior Safety Group, Seniors on Patrol, domestic violence advocacy programs, Night Out Against Crime, Trunk-or-Treat and other community-based programs.

In 2017, Chelepis was promoted to the rank of sergeant, where her duties ranged from investigations to school resource officer, among others.

Chelepis and her husband, Jeff, along with their three children, live in Frankfort.

Chelepis thanked her colleagues at Frankfort Police Department, her family and the community.

“To all my friends and family in the audience: Thank you so much for being here," she said. "Thank you for your support. They say, ‘It takes a village,’ and you are all my village, so thank you.

“To the men and women of the Frankfort Police Department, thank you for your hearts to serve. I have so much pride in the Frankfort Police Department and each one of you and how you do your jobs. When I look across the room I see people who come to work every day and do their job with integrity, and bravery, and a willingness to help. Thank you for that.”

Chelepis pledged to continue to serve Frankfort’s residents with integrity and continue to build relationships with the community.

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