The Village Board bid farewell to the Niles police chief whose career in law enforcement — which spanned more than four decades — started and ended in the north suburb.
Chief Luis Tigera’s official last day was Nov. 1, but trustees paid tribute to the retiring leader at the Oct. 22 Village Board meeting.
“You took us through COVID,” said Trustee Craig Niedermaier. “At a time when it was really tough to do it, you always came out smelling like a rose.”
Tigera’s career began and ended at the Niles Police Department, starting as a part-timer in 1980. He had been the top cop in Niles since 2017, overseeing implementation of the department’s body-worn camera program, establishment of a police memorial that includes a statue and the re-introduction of a social worker program that provides officers with mental health resources – among a host of achievements he and the village tout.
In 1985, Tigera left the Niles department and started as a trooper with the Illinois State Police. He rose the ranks there before departing in 2011. Then, he went on to be chief of the west suburban Broadview police department before returning to Niles seven years ago.
He appeared emotional at the Village Board meeting after mayor read a lengthy list of Tigera’s accomplishments. The retiring chief received a rousing standing ovation.
In his own farewell address at the meeting, Tigera made clear his retirement plans.
“You can find me on the golf course, traveling with my wife Anna who started this journey back in 1980, spending more time with my kids and grandkids,” he said. “I will always carry the memories and pride of my law enforcement career, especially here in the village of Niles.”
Many from the police department were at the meeting to wish their outgoing chief well and welcome his replacement, Joe Romano. Tigera also gave his stamp of approval for Romano’s rise.
“You are in good hands with Chief Joe Romano,” Tigera told department members during his remarks.
While Tigera’s retirement marks the end of over 40 years in law enforcement, his replacement has nearly as much.
Romano started at the Niles Police Department as a Police Explorer while he was still at Maine East High School. He was hired on as a public service aid in 1986 and has held many roles since.
Mayor George Alpogianis said Romano has held virtually every position in the department. Romano took over as chief on Nov. 2.
“In my opinion, he knows the department inside and out,” Alpogianis said. “I look forward to working with Joe … for many more years to come.”
The board approved Romano’s promotion, with an annual salary of $175,000.
Alan Kozeluh is a freelancer.
