New Lenox Chief of Police April DiSandro retires after 30 years on force

New Lenox Police Chief April DiSandro made her final call on Friday in front of her friends, family and fellow officers after serving more than 30 years on the New Lenox Police Department.

DiSandro was the first female chief in the history of the New Lenox Police Department and held every position in the department, making her the first to accomplish that.

Her career began in 1990 as a patrol officer, which she held until 1995 when she became a detective, which she held until 1997 before becoming a sergeant running the patrol division. In 2000, she went back to running the investigation division until 2006 when she became an administrative commander before being named deputy chief in 2008.

Leaving New Lenox never crossed her mind either.

She was sworn in as chief in April 2020 and spent the last six months in that position, taking over for Bob Sterba who retired.

“It’s been an amazing 30 years,” DiSandro said before she made her final call. “I’ve made so many friends, and just the memories that I’m going to take from here from all of you, and I just don't have the words. All I can say is thank you for letting me be a part of your lives.”

Retirement had been something she was thinking about and looking forward to for a while now.

DiSandro, as well as many others, had tears in their eyes as her walkie talkie rang for the final time and she made her final call signalling the end of her career. She is also a lifelong New Lenox resident.

It’s been a whirlwind,” she said. “I had pretty much run the operations of the department and was promoted to deputy chief in 2008. Then I got the opportunity to take over for a little while and it’s been absolutely amazing because I got to work with all these people for so many years.”

DiSandro started the always anticipated Shop with a Cop event 10 years ago where New Lenox police officers take underprivileged children shopping at Walmart for Christmas presents. It was community work like that that made Mayor Tim Baldermann extra proud of the career she had in New Lenox.

“It’s really meaningful for me to be able to give back to kids and families that don’t have the same benefits,” she said. “It’s also a good opportunity for the officers to interact with the kids. I think they’ll keep it going (when i’m gone).”

As DiSandro became chief, Hilary Davis was sworn in as deputy chief to fill the vacancy. Davis also spoke at DiSandro’s retirement party, thanking her for everything she has done.

“It has been an honor and privilege working with and for you,” Davis said. “We were blessed to have you part of our life. There’s no one here that does not recognize the impact you made.”

At some point, DiSandro hopes to be able to travel, but for now is looking forward to spending time with her family and her grandchildren. And having those people around her made the day much more special.

“It was the greatest,” she said. “It was so nice to be in a room of loved ones. People who have been part of this the whole way. I’ve come from the beginning to the end with these people. The outpour of love and support is overwhelming.”