To serve and protect: Somonauk Police Chief Smith retires after 15 years on the force

SOMONAUK – After serving in the Navy, volunteering with the Plano Fire Department and serving as a police officer with Plano, Yorkville and Somonauk police departments as well as the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office, Richard Smith now has a title he hasn’t held in almost 50 years: civilian.

Friday was Smith’s last day “on the beat.” After 15 years on the force and 13 years as Somonauk chief of police, Smith retired.

The village of Somonauk is planning an open house retirement party for Smith, but a date has not yet been set.

At a special Village Board meeting Sept. 20, patrolman Bill King was sworn in as Somonauk’s interim police chief, starting Saturday. Résumés for the position of police chief will be accepted until Nov. 1, and the Village Board is planning to select a new chief by December.

King has been with the Somonauk Police Department part time for three years. He served as Sandwich’s interim police chief from 2010 to 2013.

“I’ve known Chief Smith throughout our years of service because we both started in the early ’70s,” King said. “I enjoyed working with him. His demeanor is beyond expected, and he has a great sense of humor. He has become a fixture in the community and will be missed.”

Smith, originally from northeast Michigan, joined the Navy and traveled the world as a boiler operator from 1968 to 1972.

“Joining the Navy and becoming a boiler operator was probably one of the best things that ever happened to me,” Smith said. “I had an isolated childhood, and traveling with the Navy was an awakening experience. I saw Africa, Pakistan and Brazil. I remember seeing poor, desolate people living in cardboard boxes. I came back home and realized that the U.S. is the best country in the world.”

Returning home to Michigan after the service, Smith moved to Illinois with his parents. He joined the Plano Fire Department as a volunteer and became interested in the police department’s auxiliary program. He worked on the Yorkville Police Department for two years, then took a short break from police work. He then joined the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office and took another short break.

In 2002, the village of Somonauk advertised for a patrol officer. Smith applied for the position and was hired. Shortly after Smith’s hiring, the police chief left. Smith submitted a letter of interest, applied for the position and was promoted to chief in 2004.

“Before joining the Somonauk Police Department, I took a break to think if the line of work is for me,” Smith said. “Then a full-time patrolling position opened up, and I thought, ‘Why not?’ I didn’t think that I’d ever be the police chief. I was just happy to be back at work.”

Smith describes Somonauk as “a very good town,” although there are some people who cause problems. During Smith’s time as chief, there have been no major homicides or bank or store robberies.

“I am proud that we are the only small police department that has 24/7 service in DeKalb County,” Smith said. “We always have a police officer on duty. ... Even though Somonauk is a small town with a population of about 1,300, we keep high standards.”

As chief, Smith often conducts patrols around town. When school is in session, he visits James R. Wood Elementary School before and after school to protect the students walking in and out of the building.

“It’s important to serve and protect the public,” Smith said. “My officers and I often stop into businesses while we’re on patrol. For us, it’s more than a check. We like to say hello and ask how things are going.”

Now retired, Smith said he intends to fully enjoy his time off with his wife, Mary, two daughters and three grandchildren. He plans on going fishing, traveling and visiting family.

“I’m still trying to get used to the fact that I’ll be a civilian now,” Smith said. “My entire life, I’ve served in one capacity or another. Even though Somonauk is a fairly quiet town, you’re always on call, assisting whenever possible. I’m looking forward to retirement and starting my second life.”