Oak Lawn police chief honored

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Villanova

Updated: February 27, 2012 9:51AM

Oak Lawn Police Chief Bill Villanova has been named the 2012 Police Chief of the Year by the Illinois State Crime Commission.

“I’m humbled for sure,” Villanova said after Tuesday’s village board meeting. “It was quite unexpected.”

Villanova, the village’s police chief for seven years, said he did not know he was being considered for the award and initially thought the award letter from the crime commission was a joke.

Village Clerk Jane Quinlan said the letter brought the best news she has received in her seven years on the job.

“I just was in tears,” Quinlan said. “Nobody deserves it more than he does.”

Quinlan said Villanova had a “caring, methodical, unselfish” approach to his job that earned the respect of officers and village officials alike.

“He brings such class to the job,” Quinlan said. “He cares dearly about his officers.”

Villanova, who has risen through the ranks during 35 years with the department, is to be honored June 20 at the Illinois State Crime Commission’s 16th annual “Salute to Those Who Make a Difference” awards dinner at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace.

Orland Park Police Chief Tim McCarthy won the 2011 award.

The crime commission is a nonprofit committed to public safety and law enforcement.