New Deputy Chief, Two Officers Sworn In At Frankfort Board Meeting

FRANKFORT, IL — A new deputy police chief and two new police officers took their oaths of office at the Frankfort Village Board meeting on Monday.

Kevin Lanz was appointed as the new deputy chief, and police officers Kevin Jaycox and Thomas Smith were also sworn in.

Lanz grew up in nearby Homewood, and has a Bachelor's degree in criminal justice and business administration, Mayor Keith Ogle shared before the swearing-in ceremony.

Lanz has worked as a full-time police officer in Frankfort since November 2000. He has served as a field training officer, officer in charge, defensive tactics instructor and taser instructor for Frankfort. He also helped to start the K-9 unit.

"Kevin approaches his continued service to the Village of Frankfort with a profound sense of honor and humility, committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity," Ogle said.

Officers Kevin Jaycox and Thomas Smith were first hired in August 2023 and have now completed their initial field training.

Jaycox was raised on the south side of Chicago, and has previously served as a community service officer for Merrionette Park Police Department and a detention aide for Orland Park Police Department.

Smith is from Orland Park, and has a Master's degree in legal studies from Arizona State University. He participated in a ride-along with the Frankfort Police Department in 2023, and was "impressed by the department's professionalism and the vibrant atmosphere" of the Village, and made it his goal to join the police department, Ogle said.

Joe Sroka was also promoted to sergeant of the department, but couldn't attend Monday's meeting.