Lisle Police Chief Ron Wilke Announces Retirement After 25 Years

LISLE, IL — The Village of Lisle will begin the search for a new police chief after Ron Wilke recently announced his retirement after serving the community for 25 years, Mayor Christopher Pecak announced on Tuesday.

Wilke’s final day with the village will be on Feb. 25 and Pecak has recommended that deputy chief Kevin Licko be appointed interim chief. The Village Board will consider the recommendation at its next meeting on Monday, the village said.

Wilke has served as chief of police since 2020 following stints in various roles with the police department that included working as administrative sergeant, detective sergeant, community policing sergeant, watch commander, deputy chief of administration, and deputy chief of administration. Wilke also served as the department’s public information officer for 15 years.

“Chief Wilke has had a distinguished career, and been a steady, thoughtful and compassionate leader for the Lisle Police Department,” Pecak said in a news release on Tuesday. “The relationships he has built with the community are invaluable.”

He added: “We are grateful for the many excellent contributions Chief Wilke made to this community and we wish him the very best in the next chapter of his life.”

Wilke received many commendations and citations during his career. Recent accomplishments included partnering with the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Department to initiate the first Lisle Public Safety Academy, where residents had the opportunity to learn about each agency. He also guided the police department through its first accreditation process with the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police where compliance with professional policy standards and high levels of service delivery were reviewed.

Wilke received his bachelor's degree in sociology from Illinois State University and earned a master's degree in criminal justice from Chicago State University.