Who was the Chief of Police in Brookfield, Illinois?
Brookfield, Illinois is a charming village located in Cook County, Illinois, with a population of around 19,000 residents. The village has a rich history dating back to 1893, and over the years, it has had several police chiefs who have worked tirelessly to maintain law and order in the community. In this article, we will explore the history of the Brookfield Police Department and highlight the key figures who have served as its chief.
Early Years of the Brookfield Police Department
The Brookfield Police Department was established in 1893, shortly after the village was incorporated. The first police chief was George W. Brown, who served from 1893 to 1901. During his tenure, Brown worked to establish a professional police force, which was responsible for maintaining order and enforcing laws in the village.
Chief James E. O’Connor (1901-1921)
After George W. Brown, James E. O’Connor took over as the chief of police in 1901. O’Connor served for 20 years, making him one of the longest-serving police chiefs in Brookfield’s history. During his tenure, O’Connor worked to modernize the police department, introducing new technologies and procedures to improve law enforcement.
Chief John J. O’Connor (1921-1947)
James E. O’Connor’s son, John J. O’Connor, succeeded him as police chief in 1921. John J. O’Connor served for 26 years, making him one of the longest-serving police chiefs in Brookfield’s history. During his tenure, O’Connor worked to improve community relations, establishing programs to engage with local residents and promote police-community partnerships.
Chief Robert F. Flynn (1947-1963)
After John J. O’Connor, Robert F. Flynn took over as police chief in 1947. Flynn served for 16 years, during which time he worked to modernize the police department, introducing new technologies and procedures to improve law enforcement.
Chief Richard J. Smith (1963-1981)
Richard J. Smith succeeded Robert F. Flynn as police chief in 1963. Smith served for 18 years, during which time he worked to improve community relations, establishing programs to engage with local residents and promote police-community partnerships.
Chief Thomas J. McCarthy (1981-1995)
Thomas J. McCarthy took over as police chief in 1981. McCarthy served for 14 years, during which time he worked to modernize the police department, introducing new technologies and procedures to improve law enforcement.
Chief William J. Fassler (1995-2007)
William J. Fassler succeeded Thomas J. McCarthy as police chief in 1995. Fassler served for 12 years, during which time he worked to improve community relations, establishing programs to engage with local residents and promote police-community partnerships.
Chief Edward E. Petrak (2007-2019)
Edward E. Petrak took over as police chief in 2007. Petrak served for 12 years, during which time he worked to modernize the police department, introducing new technologies and procedures to improve law enforcement.
Current Chief of Police
As of 2022, the current chief of police in Brookfield, Illinois is John E. Cataldo. Cataldo has been serving as police chief since 2019 and has worked to continue the tradition of excellence established by his predecessors.
Key Statistics and Facts
Here are some key statistics and facts about the Brookfield Police Department:
- Number of Officers: The Brookfield Police Department has a total of 34 sworn officers and 10 civilian employees.
- Response Time: The average response time for the Brookfield Police Department is 5 minutes and 30 seconds.
- Crime Rate: Brookfield has a low crime rate, with a violent crime rate of 0.43 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,344.1 per 100,000 residents.
- Community Engagement: The Brookfield Police Department has a strong commitment to community engagement, with programs such as the "Coffee with a Cop" program, which allows residents to meet with police officers in a casual setting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Brookfield Police Department has a rich history dating back to 1893, with several police chiefs who have worked tirelessly to maintain law and order in the community. From George W. Brown to John E. Cataldo, each police chief has brought their own unique perspective and experience to the role, working to improve community relations and promote police-community partnerships. As the village continues to grow and evolve, the Brookfield Police Department remains committed to serving and protecting its residents.
