Police Chief William Fitzpatrick retires after more than 2 decades of service to Glenview

Following a nearly 55-year career in law enforcement, Village of Glenview Police Chief William Fitzpatrick announced his retirement on Tuesday, Sept. 2. He led the Glenview Police Department since 2001. 

Fitzpatrick’s replacement as Glenview’s Chief of Police will be Glenview Deputy Chief Mark Ciesla, who will be sworn in during the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 16. 

During his tenure in Glenview, Chief Fitzpatrick guided the Police Department through significant growth and change while maintaining Glenview’s strong reputation for public safety. He was instrumental in the design and buildout of the Glenview Police Department building, now the Municipal Center. A strong supporter of police unions, Chief Fitzpatrick played a key role in the ratification of the first union pact in 2008. 

“It has been the greatest honor of my career to serve the residents of Glenview,” Fitzpatrick said. “I am proud of every member of the Glenview Police Department, each of whom works tirelessly every day to protect and support this community. Glenview is truly a special place, and I am grateful to have been part of it.” 

Under his leadership, the Glenview Police Department hired 95 new employees and implemented numerous programs and initiatives, including the body-worn camera program, the establishment of the Safety Response Team, and the expansion of community outreach initiatives like the Citizens Police and Youth Police academies.  

Chief Fitzpatrick also oversaw the expansion of the School Resource Officer program and the Bicycle Unit. He helped maintain the Police Department’s significant investment in new technology and training to best serve the residents and businesses in Glenview.

Chief Fitzpatrick’s retirement follows 54 years and 8 months of public service. After starting his career in law enforcement as a patrol officer in Rockford, Fitzpatrick rose to the rank of chief of the Rockford Police Department in 1985, a post he held until 1997. He served as chief of the Delavan, Wisc., Police Department for three years before being hired as Glenview’s police chief on Jan. 29, 2001.

“Chief Fitzpatrick has been a constant for an entire generation of Glenview residents,” said Village President Michael Jenny. “For more than two decades, he has upheld the highest standards of professionalism while keeping Glenview one of the safest communities in the region to raise a family. We are deeply grateful for his service and dedication.”

Ciesla began his career with the Glenview Police Department as a patrol officer in 2004. He has worked a number of roles within the Department, including evidence technician, field training officer and detective.

In 2019, Ciesla was promoted to sergeant, working stints in night shift patrol and with the support services division. He also worked briefly as the department’s Public Information Officer.

Ciesla was promoted to commander in March of 2023, overseeing police administration, and to Deputy Chief in 2024.

“Chief Fitzpatrick set a high bar for what it means to serve this community with integrity and care,” Ciesla said. “My priority will be to continue strengthening the bonds of trust between the Police Department and the residents of Glenview while ensuring our officers have the resources they need to keep the Village safe.” 

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