Glenview Police Chief Retires, Ending Nearly 55-year Career In Law Enforcement

GLENVIEW, IL — Police Chief William Fitzpatrick, who has led the Glenview Police Department since 2001, is retiring. His career in public service spanned over 54 years and 8 months, according to the Village of Glenview.

Fitzpatrick’s replacement as chief of police will be Glenview Deputy Chief Mark Ciesla, who will be sworn in during the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 16.

During his tenure in Glenview, Fitzpatrick guided the police department "through significant growth and change while maintaining Glenview’s strong reputation for public safety," the Village said. He is credited for the design and build out of the GPD's building, now located at the municipal center.

Considered a strong supporter of police unions, Fitzpatrick played a key role in the ratification of the first union pact in 2008.

"It has been the greatest honor of my career to serve the residents of Glenview," Fitzpatrick said. "I am proud of every member of the Glenview Police Department, each of whom works tirelessly every day to protect and support this community. Glenview is truly a special place, and I am grateful to have been part of it."

While at the helm, Fitzpatrick's department hired 95 new employees and implemented numerous programs and initiatives, including the body-worn camera program, the establishment of the safety response team, and the expansion of community outreach initiatives like the citizens police and youth police academies.

According to the Village, Fitzpatrick also oversaw the expansion of the school resource officer program and the Bicycle Unit. He helped maintain the Police Department’s significant investment in new technology and training to best serve the residents and businesses in Glenview.

After starting his career in law enforcement as a patrol officer in Rockford, Fitzpatrick rose to the rank of chief of the Rockford Police Department in 1985, a post he held until 1997. He served as chief of the Delavan (Wisconsin) Police Department for three years before being hired as Glenview's police chief on Jan. 29, 2001.

"Chief Fitzpatrick has been a constant for an entire generation of Glenview residents," Village President Michael Jenny said. "For more than two decades, he has upheld the highest standards of professionalism while keeping Glenview one of the safest communities in the region to raise a family. We are deeply grateful for his service and dedication."

Ciesla began his career with the Glenview Police Department as a patrol officer in 2004. He has worked in a number of roles within the department, including evidence technician, field training officer and detective.

In 2019, Ciesla was promoted to sergeant, working stints in night shift patrol and with the support services division. He also worked briefly as the department's public information officer.=

Ciesla was promoted to commander in March 2023, overseeing police administration, and to Deputy Chief in 2024.

"Chief Fitzpatrick set a high bar for what it means to serve this community with integrity and care," Ciesla said. "My priority will be to continue strengthening the bonds of trust between the Police Department and the residents of Glenview while ensuring our officers have the resources they need to keep the Village safe."