Mike Cheatham’s tenure as Ottawa police chief begins

Mike Cheatham said up front that he was going to keep his first remarks as the new Ottawa police chief “short and sweet,” and he was true to his word.

It was the revelry, the handshakes and the congratulations offered to him by the standing room-only crowd of well-wishers that lasted well after the Ottawa City Council meeting adjourned.

Cheatham was sworn into his new post by Mayor Robb Hasty to replace Brent Roalson, who is retiring after 28 years with the department and his 12-year tenure ever as longest-serving chief in the city’s history.

Cheatham has been with the OPD since Dec. 27, 2001, and has held several positions within it such as school resource officer, patrol officer and supervisor of the detectives division

Roalson said Cheatham always has been on a path “set for greatness.”

“I’d like to thank the City Council, Public Health and Safety Commissioner Tom Ganiere and Mayor Hasty for the opportunity and the trust they’ve given me,” Cheatham said. “I thank my family, friends and especially my wife and children. Frankly, I wouldn’t be here without your love and support.

“To the community, it’s a tremendous honor to be able to serve in this capacity and I will work to demand the excellence and service you deserve. To the Ottawa Police Department and Ottawa Central Dispatch, I take great pride to serve along side the great men and women of both departments. To the retirees and chiefs along the way, I thank you all for the valuable lessons learned and direction provided.

“And thank you, Chief Roalson, for being an incredible mentor and role model over the years. We wish you nothing but the best in your retirement.”

Before Cheatham’s swearing in, Hasty read into the record a proclamation of thanks to Roalson, who began his career in the OPD on Oct. 19, 1996, as a patrolman, later becoming a K-9 handler with Thor, in 2002. He was promoted to sergeant on March 14, 2003, to captain of patrol on Oct. 3, 2008, and to police chief on Sept. 18, 2012.

“Throughout his law enforcement, Roalson completed a myriad of tasks important to the success of the Ottawa Police Department, making it a flagship for other departments in La Salle County,” Hasty said. “The Ottawa City Council wishes to express its gratitude and appreciation for his many years of service to the department and his unwavering dedication to his community.”

Roalson, who will fully retire on Jan. 15, thanked the council, his officers and all his fellow city employees for their tireless work for the city.

“I’d like to thank the citizens and businesses of Ottawa for giving us the continued support over the years to make Ottawa a great place to raise our families and live in our community,” he said. “I will continue to be a part of the community I love and will work for the betterment of this beautiful city.

“I’m honored to pass this torch to Mike. It’s like watching a son that’s stepped up to take over the family business, knowing that the success he will bring will surpass what we’ve added.”