Blue Island Police Chief Steve Leonard says it is his last day after 27 years; accepted post with District 130

Chief Steve Leonard, Blue Island’s police chief, told the City Council during a meeting that it was his last day after 27 years with the department and that he has accepted a position with District 130.

The announcement prompted a string of public thanks from the mayor, aldermen and community members and a brief discussion about succession planning. Members of the council said they trust the mayor to develop a transition plan for the police department.

“As everybody knows, today is my last day. After 27 years in the when, it is time for me to move on. If you are not already aware, I've accepted a position with District 1 30 that I am excited to start,” Chief Steve Leonard said during the meeting. “Blue Island is the reason I am who I am today.”

The mayor praised Leonard’s tenure and cited changes in the department under his leadership. “When I took office, you were interim police chief, and I didn't want to, just like many departments, jump into any major decisions until I had a chance to analyze every small department. After a few months, I felt we would have a good partnership together, and I'm grateful I made the choice to make you my chief,” the mayor said. The mayor added that Leonard “very much kept your promise” to provide stability over the first four years of the administration.

Councilmembers and others expressed gratitude. Alderman Alden Grenell said he had “no empirical evidence to say he's the best police chief we've ever had, but I'll say it anyway,” and thanked Leonard for his service. Alvin Malone offered brief thanks as well.

Leonard reflected on the department’s changes and said some of the city’s actions preceded similar moves elsewhere. “The 1 thing I'm most proud of is taking the action we took to positively impact the lives of people in 02/2022. I think it's important to note that we took that action long before the state of Illinois took that action, and the state followed our lead. And it didn't stop there. New Mexico has recently done the same,” he said.

Council members noted that a succession plan will be necessary. “As with any retirement, you know, there inevitably needs to be a succession plan. And I think that the mayor deserves the trust from the council on whatever plan that may be,” Leonard said, urging support for a transition crafted by the mayor and council.

No formal vote or personnel action was recorded in the meeting transcript. The council recessed briefly following the remarks and planned a small reception for Leonard after the meeting.