Batavia Mayor Jeffery Schielke has appointed Batavia Police Deputy Chief of Operations Eric Blowers to be the city’s next chief of police, officials said.
Schielke will administer the oath of office to Blowers at 7 p.m. on Monday during the Batavia City Council meeting, according to a press release from the city of Batavia.
Blowers’ appointment takes effect on Jan. 14 following the retirement of Batavia Chief of Police Shawn Mazza. Mazza’s 26 years of service to the community will also be honored at Monday’s meeting, officials said.
Blowers is a 17-year veteran of the Batavia Police Department and has served in various roles throughout his tenure, most recently as deputy chief of operations, according to the release. Blowers began his career as a patrol officer in 2007, advancing to positions including detective, patrol sergeant, watch commander and detective watch commander.
“I am proud to have worked with Eric in a number of roles during my time as city administrator and have the utmost belief that he will continue the excellent work of the Batavia Police Department for years to come,” said Batavia City Administrator Laura Newman in the release. “Eric has worked his way through the ranks of the department and has an incredible and unwavering commitment to public safety.”
Blowers has spent his entire law enforcement career with the Batavia Police Department.
“I am privileged to work alongside the many dedicated men and women of the Batavia Police Department who serve our citizens with pride and integrity,” said Blowers in the release. “Their commitment to public safety and passion for helping others make the Batavia Police Department the outstanding organization it is.”
Blowers will lead a department comprising 43 full-time sworn officers and 12 civilian employees. Among his short- and long-term goals are enhancing the department’s training programs and pursuing police accreditation through the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, according to the release.
“I also want to continue the comprehensive facility assessment to ensure the Batavia Police Department is housed in a modern police facility and equipped with state-of-the-art technology to improve and enhance our level of service to the community,” said Blowers in the release.
Blowers holds a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement and justice administration from Western Illinois University. He and his wife, Diane, live in Geneva with their two children, Benjamin and Jenna.
Batavia Police Detective Sgt. Gary La Barbera will step into the deputy chief of operations role vacated by Blowers’ promotion, according to the release. La Barbera has been with the Batavia Police Department since 2005.
