Perry Village Police Department Seeks New Chief to Lead Department Forward

Perry Village Police Department Seeks New Chief to Lead Department Forward

Perry Village is currently in search of a new police chief as Steve Williams, who led the police department for over two years, retired in February. Williams submitted his resignation letter to Mayor James Gessic, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the village residents. The Village Council accepted his resignation during a meeting and appointed Lt. Mike Collins as the interim chief until a permanent replacement is found.

Williams did not attend the council meeting where his retirement was approved, and the council did not discuss his departure publicly. Prior to becoming the police chief, Williams had a background as a sergeant in the University Heights Police Department and had also worked as a part-time patrolman in Perry Village. He was selected as the village police chief in 2023 after the previous chief, Troy Hager, resigned to take on a new role as the Madison Township police chief.

During the selection process for the new police chief, Williams was one of eight applicants who applied for the position. He was ultimately chosen for the role after seven candidates were interviewed by Mayor Gessic and the council. In the interim period between Hager's resignation and Williams' appointment, North Perry Village Police Chief Ron Walters temporarily assumed the responsibilities of the Perry Village police chief.

The Perry Village Police Department announced on social media that Lt. Mike Collins will serve as the interim chief until a permanent replacement is hired. The village is now actively seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of police chief and lead the department into the future.