Politics & Government
Village Reveals Police Chief's Retirement 10 Days After He Steps Down
After serving for over 40 years, Chief Bill Lustig's retirement was revealed days after he stepped down, with no reason given for the delay.
NORTHFIELD, IL — Village staff revealed Thursday that the chief of the Northfield Police Department retired at the end of last month.
Bill Lustig stepped down on Sept. 30 after more than four decades with the department, according to an announcement from village officials.
“It will be impossible to find another Bill Lustig for Northfield,” Village President Greg Lungmus said in a statement issued 10 days after his retirement. “His impact upon the Village and police department will be felt for years to come.”
Find out what's happening in Winnetka-Glencoefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Lustig, a Northfield resident, began as a community service officer in 1981 and got hired as a police officer two years later. In 2000, he was appointed chief of the department, which has fewer than 20 sworn officers.
During his time as chief, Lustig oversaw the creation of an "Officer Friendly" program, took part in establishing the North Regional Major Crimes Task Force, transitioned to a consolidated dispatch center, installed cameras in patrol cars and otherwise modernized the department, according to village staff.
Find out what's happening in Winnetka-Glencoefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Throughout his career Bill has been highly regarded and respected by both our community and the neighboring police departments," said Don Whiteman, who served as village president from 1997 to 2005.
"[Lustig] is a man of great integrity with the remarkable personal ability to support and connect with everyone. He has been a role model on how you create a caring community that all Northfield residents have enjoyed and expect," Whiteman said in a statement. "He has been and will remain a Northfield treasure."
Deputy Chief Mike Hutensky will serve as interim chief until village officials decide on a permanent hire to succeed Lustig.
“I am confident in Mike’s ability to guide staff through this period of transition and maintain the standard of professionalism for which our officers are regarded,” Village Manager Patrick Brennan said in a statement.
Hutensky has been acting as chief since May, as Lustig has been on indefinite voluntary leave.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
