A successor to West Dundee Police Chief Anthony Gorski, who retired in July after nearly 30 years with the department, could be announced by the end of the month, village officials said.
Deputy Police Chief Dan Haines has been holding the job on an interim chief basis while a search is conducted.
Gorski was hired by West Dundee in 1996, and landed the department’s top job in November 2019. During his tenure, he was promoted to sergeant in 1998, lieutenant in 2015 and interim chief in February 2019. His career started in 1987 with the Addison Police Department.
Instead of hiring a firm to conduct a search for Gorski’s replacement, the West Dundee Village Board is working with Village Manager Joe Cavallaro to evaluate and interview candidates, according to Village President Chris Nelson.
“I personally would encourage the hiring of an experienced leader who has demonstrated an ability to work with officers who are beginning their careers and who has shown an aptitude for innovation and creativity,” he said.
Cavallaro said more than 40 people, including two internal candidates, applied for the position, which among other things oversees 25 full-time employees, 23 of whom are sworn officers.
“We interviewed six candidates for the position initially and called back four for second interviews,” Cavallaro said. Among those who made the cut were the two internal applicants, whose identities have not been revealed.
Gorski’s salary was $150,700, and it’s anticipated that the new chief will be paid anywhere from $133,000 to $174,500 annually.
Mike Danahey is a freelance reporter for The Courier News.
