New Police Chief Named For Mokena

MOKENA, IL — The Mokena Village Board has appointed a new police chief for the village. After a nationwide search, John Keating has been appointed as chief of police, starting May 10.

In the meantime, Commander Randal Stumpf will serve as interim chief of police, after the Mokena Village Board appointed him to the position at its Monday meeting. Tim McCarthy had been serving as interim chief for the past several months, but his last day with the village was Monday, board documents state.

"Commander Stumpf is a tremendous asset to our police department," village administrator John Tomasoski said. Stumpf will be compensated an additional $1,000 per month while fulfilling interim chief of police duties, according to board documents.

Board documents state that having Stumpf fill this role allows the village time to complete the installment process for Keating.

39 candidates applied for the position of chief of police, Mayor Frank Fleishcer said.

"[The position] was advertised with the following agencies: Will County Chiefs of Police Association, South Suburban Association of Chiefs of Police, Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, GovHR, Illinois Municipal League, The Blue Line, and the Village of Mokena's website," Fleischer said.

Fleischer said Keating worked for the Orland Park Police Department for 29 years, rising to commander of the criminal investigations division. He most recently served as an investigator with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. Keating has also graduated from the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, and the FBI National Academy.

The salary for the chief of police is $138,670 annually.

"I'm very happy you've decided to come to the village of Mokena and work with us," Fleischer said.

Keating thanked the mayor, board and village for their confidence in him. Keating said he has four pillars that his administration will be guided by: professional accountability, community collaboration, crime management and employee wellness.

"Our mission is to serve and protect the Mokena community while building strong relationships based on mutual trust and respect. We will carry out our mission with the highest level of professionalism, integrity and excellence," Keating said.