William Murphy takes reins as Wheaton police chief

WHEATON – Newly appointed Wheaton Police Chief William Murphy said he will work to make the Police Department even more efficient and effective.

"One of our primary goals moving forward will be better utilization of data analytics in order to be more effective and efficient," Murphy said in an email interview. "We have been guided by our principles and our values for years. The public can continue to expect quality police service delivered with respect and compassion. We will continue to engage our partners and stakeholders to ensure we are meeting the needs of the community."

Murphy was sworn in as the city's new police chief during the Wheaton City Council meeting July 2. He replaces former Chief Jim Volpe, who left the department in June to become the new director of the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy based at the College of DuPage's Glen Ellyn campus.

Murphy has been with the department since 1990. Prior to being named police chief, Murphy served as the department's deputy chief of police of support.

"I certainly have a historical perspective on the department and the community," Murphy said. "The knowledge and experience will be invaluable moving forward. The police department has some of the finest people in the profession. It will be my privilege to continue working with them as the chief."

A never-ending goal of the department is to "ensure we fulfill our mission of serving and protecting the community of Wheaton," he said.

"Long term we need to continue to develop our officers so we can achieve this goal," Murphy said.

During the June 18 City Council meeting, city officials thanked Volpe for his years of service. He had been a member of the Police Department since 1983 and had served in the role of police chief since 2015.

"Chief Volpe completely understands and acknowledges what it takes to serve and serve in a community like Wheaton," City Manager Mike Dzugan said. "The city has been very fortunate to have Jim Volpe as a police chief and as a police officer who has served and protected the community for 35 years."

Volpe, in turn, thanked city officials and the Police Department for his "blessed career."

"You made this job extremely easy," he said. "It was easy because you understand... Words cannot describe what this city has given to me. I'm going to miss it."