Police Chief Loren Marion Announces Retirement

Press release from the City of Peoria:

After twenty-six years with the Peoria Police Department, Chief Loren Marion, III announced he will be retiring on January 22, 2021. Chief Marion is a third-generation police officer. His grandfather, Frank N., Smith, was the Police Chief of Bellevue and his father, Loren Marion, Jr., served 30 years with the Peoria Police Department, retiring in 2009 as a Patrol Officer.

Chief Marion began his career with the Peoria Police Department in October of 1994. During his career, he worked in Patrol, the Community Area Target Team, the Street Crimes Unit, the Vice and Narcotics Unit, and the Target Offender Unit. He also held the collateral duty of Task Force Officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). He was promoted to Police Chief by City Manager Patrick Urich on November 14, 2018. Chief Marion has received several letters of commendation, two distinguished service awards, the American Legion Meritorious Service Award, and was named “Officer of the Year” in 2008.

Regarding the future of the Department, Chief Marion said, “I feel the Department is moving in the right direction. We are ahead of many agencies throughout the country in our policies/procedures, technology and training.”

Under his leadership, the Peoria Police Department completed the body camera project, received Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) accreditation, worked to implement an Officer Wellness program and increased Community Policing efforts, including additional Resident Officers.

City Manager Patrick Urich stated, “I’d like to thank Police Chief Marion for his leadership of the Peoria Police Department and wish him well as he moves into the next chapter of his life. He will be sorely missed.” He continued, “The Police Chief is a critical position for the City, and we look forward to seeking the best candidate to fill this role.”

Assistant Chief Doug Theobald has been named the Interim Chief. There will be a nationwide search for this position.

This press release was produced by the City of Peoria. The views expressed here are the author’s own.