La Grange Park police chief to retire, head into education

LA GRANGE PARK – After a nearly 19-year career with the La Grange Park Police Department, Police Chief Dan McCollum will serve his last day this August.

As of Aug. 1, McCollum will retire from the department and move on to the educational side of law enforcement.

McCollum, who first announced his retirement about four months ago, said he's leaving to become an assistant professor at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon.

"I've always had a keen interest in education [and] this is a perfect opportunity," McCollum said. "I think I could make a big difference to the people coming into the department."

Looking back on his time in La Grange Park, McCollum said he's going to miss interacting with his colleagues and the family of employees in the village, along with his Adopt A Cop program. He said La Grange Park has been a great place to work.

The 60-year-old St. Charles resident said he's leaving the department in even better shape than when he arrived.

"I couldn't have done anything without the employees," McCollum said. "We're very fortunate, we have a great team."

While his new position will only have him in the classroom for nine hours a week, McCollum said he plans to write a book or two and live life to the fullest, all while impacting the future faces of law enforcement.

"[This is] an opportunity to meet new people and install some different kinds of ideas and goals into people entering the profession," McCollum said. "I'll have a great opportunity to make some lasting impressions."

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Bid farewell to Chief McCollum at a coffee and cake reception on Tuesday.

What: Cake & Coffee Reception for Retiring Chief of Police Dan McCollum

When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 22

Where: La Grange Park Village Hall Board Room, 447 N. Catherine Ave.

For more information, contact the village at 708-354-0225.