Police Department to Get New Chief Search and Pursuit Vehicle Upfit

Litchfield City Council Meeting | Oct. 2, 2025

Article Summary: The City Council authorized the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police to assist in the search for a new Police Chief and approved the upfitting of a new Dodge Durango for the department’s ordinance officer.

Police Department Key Points:

• Chief Search: The city will pay up to $12,000 for the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police to conduct an executive search and assessment center for a new full-time Police Chief.

• Vehicle Equipment: Data Tronics submitted the low bid of $10,251.99 to install lights, sirens, and safety equipment on a 2024 Dodge Durango.

• Ordinance Officer Role: The Durango is assigned to the ordinance officer, a sworn position that may need to respond to emergency calls.

The Litchfield Police Department is preparing for leadership changes and fleet improvements. On Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, the City Council approved a contract with the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP) to lead the search for a permanent Police Chief following the resignation of Kenny Ryker.

City Administrator Breann Vazquez explained that the ILACP will guide the recruitment and vetting process, though the final hiring decision remains with the City Council. The service includes advertising, resume evaluation, and an assessment center for candidates.

“They are here to assist us and to guide the process, not to make any final decisions,” Vazquez said.

Additionally, the council approved the upfitting of a new 2024 Dodge Durango with police equipment. The vehicle is designated for the ordinance officer.

Alderperson Bert Holloway explained the need for a fully equipped vehicle, noting that the ordinance officer is a sworn officer who can “respond to emergency calls while he is on duty.”

“The goal is to to have an extra officer so that in our most severe calls he can respond,” Vazquez added.