Riverside police chief to retire after 38 years of service

Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel is retiring after nearly four decades with the department, the last 13 as chief.

Weitzel announced his decision in a Feb. 11 letter to Riverside Village Manager Jessica Frances, the village board, the police department and residents.

“It is after many months of reflection and thoughtful consideration that I am announcing my retirement from the Riverside Police Department after 37 years of service to the community of Riverside,” Weitzel said in the letter.

Weitzel’s last day is May 20.

Weitzel discussed the decision with family and family and colleagues “and more recently with Manager Jessica Frances,” he said.

“It has been a great pleasure to serve this community for over three decades. Watching the changes in the community and within the police department have been extraordinary. I have worn the Riverside Police uniform since I was 23 years old beginning as a patrol officer. In January of 2008, I was appointed chief of police.

“Working alongside the brave and devoted officers of the Riverside police department has truly been an honor and memories that I will take with me for a lifetime. The men and women of the Riverside police department represent all that is good with this profession,” Weitzel wrote.

Weitzel lauded the officers he’s worked with as well as the community’s leadership.

“Riverside is fortunate to have many dedicated community members who serve the village,” he said. “It has been a privilege to work shoulder to shoulder with these individuals with a common cause of continuing to make Riverside a great place to live, work and visit. I would like to thank Village President Benjamin Sells and the board of trustees along with Village Manager Jessica Frances and her senior staff for their dedication to the village and continued support they provided me as I led the police department over the years.”

Finally, he thanked the community for its support.

“I would also like to extend my sincerest thanks to the community of Riverside,” Weitzel said. “The support that I have received as a member of the Riverside police department will never be forgotten. It is comforting for me to know that as I depart from my role as police chief, the community is being left with a police department that is well equipped, trained and committed to serving the needs of Riverside. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to serve the village of Riverside.