DeKalb police commander Bob Redel appointed as next interim police chief

DeKALB – City Manager Bill Nicklas has appointed Police Commander Bob Redel as the next interim police chief following Interim Chief John Petragallo's retirement at the end of this month.

Nicklas announced the appointment after Tuesday's city council meeting. Redel currently oversees the department's investigations team and the detective bureau, and will take over as the acting top cop for the time being.

Redel will begin as acting chief June 2 at 5 p.m., when Petragallo officially retires.

"It will be an honor to lead the DeKalb Police Department until the next police chief is selected," Redel said. "I am excited for this opportunity."

Nicklas said the search for a new permanent police chief has been put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"The search for a permanent police chief has been hampered mightily by our COVID restrictions, what we were ready to launch in early March has been delayed for several months," Nicklas said, alluding to the nationwide search the city had planned for when Petragallo left. "We're hoping the second or third week in June we’ll be able to meet with candidates. Until that time and beyond that time, I've appointed Bob Redel who will take over as acting police chief. We're very fortunate to have Bob serve in this capacity and serve us every day."

Petragallo was honored during Tuesday's council meeting for his 26 years of service and presented with commemorative street signs in his name, alongside his family.

Assistant City Manager Ray Munch is also exiting at the end of the month, and was given a farewell Tuesday as he leaves for a similar role for the City of Naperville.