New Orland Park Police Chief Sworn In

ORLAND PARK, IL — A new chief of police was sworn into office at Tuesday evening's regular board of trustees meeting in Orland Park. Joseph Mitchell, who has been a member of the Orland Park Police Department for more than 26 years, received a standing ovation after being sworn into office.

Mitchell was appointed deputy chief in 2016 and has served in all divisions of the department, including assignments as a patrol officer, narcotics officer, investigator, field supervisor and lieutenant in patrol, investigations, and administration, according to the Village of Orland Park.

Mitchell was named the interim police chief for the village after former Police Chief Tim McCarthy, who had served in the role since 1994, retired on Aug. 1. The former police chief is known nationally for having taken a bullet for President Ronald Reagan during an assassination attempt in 1981.

A packed board meeting with many police officers and residents watched as Mitchell was officially sworn in. Mayor Keith Pekau is seen below swearing Mitchell in, at the six-minute mark. You can hear welcoming remarks from the Board of Trustees as well.

Pekau said that the person who appoints the chief of police is the village manager and that the board approves the decision.

"We all have great respect for Joe Mitchell, he's going to be an outstanding chief of police," Pekau said adding that Mitchell was McCarthy's recommendation. "We are really looking forward to having Chief Mitchell."

Mitchell gave a thank-you speech telling everyone he won't let them down. "I have done this for 26 years and I will work hard for you each and every day," Mitchell said in his speech. "Most importantly I want to thank Chief McCarthy. He's my mentor. For 26 years he hired me and brought me through this organization. I promise him that I will protect his legacy...this is his department and always be his department."

In a statement, the new chief told Patch he is prepared for the road ahead.

"I am excited and appreciative of the opportunity provided to me by the Village Manager George Koczwara, Mayor Keith Pekau and the entire Village Board to lead an outstanding highly accredited law enforcement organization," the chief said. "Having worked under the tutelage of Chief Timothy J. McCarthy for nearly 26 years, I feel I am properly prepared for the challenges that may lie ahead as Chief of Police in this noble profession."