Mayor to New Top Cop: 'You're in, Chief!'

Village officials swore in 's new top cop Tuesday night, who said he's eager to serve and has been welcomed to the community with open arms.

"I've been so taken back by the people here," said Steve Neubauer, who spent the last eight years at the helm of the Elmhurst Police Department. "I've just been overwhelmed with how warm and welcoming the community has been."

Trustees unanimously approved the motion to appoint Neubauer Tuesday. When there were no "nay" votes, Mayor Ed Zabrocki proclaimed, "Well chief, you're in!" — a statement that was followed by resounding applause in the board's regular meeting room.

Neubauer will officially assume his responsibilities at the  Jan. 2, Cmndr. Steve Vacarro said.. He had been working in the Elmhurst department since 1974, where he began as a patrol officer.

Zabrocki said he looks forward to working with Neubauer. He also thanked for stepping up June 7 in place of , who . He had been head of the department since 1995.

The nationwide search for his replacement yielded more than 100 applications, Zabrocki said. He said he was selected for his "outstanding managerial credentials and wealth of experience in meeting the challenges" of modern-day policing. 

He holds a bachelor's degree in social justice and a master's degree in criminal justice. Neubauer is also a former adjunct professor at Kaplan University and was president of the DuPage County Association of Chief's of Police.

Among his top priorities are issues dealing with children's safety, he said after Tuesday's meeting.

" ... The safety of our children, whether drug related, alcohol related, traffic safety related or domestic related, is of utmost importance," Neubauer said while standing beside his wife, Kathy. "I'm eager to get to work."

For more background on the death of O'Connell, comb the Tinley Park Patch archives.

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