Homewood Police Chief William Alcott Retires

HOMEWOOD, IL — Homewood Police Chief William Alcott has announced his retirement from the Homewood Police Department, starting Feb. 26. His retirement comes after more than 30 years of police service, joining the department in 1998, working his way up to chief of police in 2016, according to the village.

“I would like to thank everyone for the opportunity afforded to me to serve this community as your Chief of Police. This has been a great experience for me and I pray I have served you well," Alcott said. "Most of all, I would like to commend the men and women of the Homewood Police Department for their professionalism and unwavering dedication to duty. For without them and all of their hard work, the Homewood Police Department would not be what it is today; a professional police department that is community-service driven to keep our village and its citizens safe. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve and protect the citizens of Homewood alongside all of them,"

Alcott added, "It is comforting to know that as I depart from my role as police chief, the community is being left with a police department that is well-equipped, trained, and committed to serving the needs of Homewood. I am proud to call the Village of Homewood my home."

Alcott served in both uniformed and investigative assignments as chief. When he was an investigator — and later team leader of the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force (SSMCTF), a member of the Suburban Major Accident Reconstruction Team (SMART) and a Network 3 Tactical Unit Supervisor — Chief Alcott has led several successful investigative campaigns, including the clearing of the Hellstrom Homicide; a cold case occurring in 1977, according to the village.

Alcott also received a number of accolades for his accomplishments throughout his career. These include multiple honorable mentions, certificates of recognition, letters of appreciation, certificates of department commendations and exceptional service awards with the Homewood Police Department, according to the village. These are in addition to both the Cook County Sheriff’s Police and Cook County Commissioner Awards of Merit, along with the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police; Certificate of Recognition/Meritorious Service Award and an Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police; James J. Wade Outstanding Police Officer of the Year Award for 2007, the village said.

“Chief Alcott has served our community for 23 years with irreproachable integrity, the highest standards of excellence, and a deep commitment to providing effective community policing,” said Village Manager Jim Marino. “It’s because of his dedication, integrity, and leadership that Homewood has such an outstanding police department that keeps our community safe every day. It’s been an honor to work with him, and he will be sincerely missed, but his legacy will live on within the police department.”

“Homewood residents and business owners appreciate the leadership that Chief Alcott has provided to the Homewood Police Department,” said Village President Richard Hofeld. “His commitment to professional standards, innovative thinking, and community relations has been invaluable,” added Hofeld. “We wish him well in his retirement.”

Deputy Police Chief Denise McGrath will be promoted to Chief of Police on Feb. 26, the village said. Born and raised in Homewood, McGrath began working in Homewood as a dispatcher in 1990. She has worked in several positions in the Homewood Police Department including working as a Field Training Officer, Detective, Field Training Coordinator and Detective Sergeant, while working her way through the ranks to become Deputy Chief in 2012.

“McGrath is a great choice for Chief of Police; she has served in all areas of the department from patrol to detective to administration,” Hofeld said. “During her career, she has earned the respect of her peers throughout the Southland. We welcome Chief of Police Denise McGrath.”