Elgin’s newly appointed Deputy Chief Adam Schuessler is a veteran cop who’s had roles in almost every division of the police department during his 25-year career.
The commander was promoted to replace Colin Fleury, who left last week to become the police chief in West Chicago. Two other commanders, Eric Echevarria and Jim Bisceglie, also are leaving for new jobs later this summer.
“It’s the first week. It’s a learning curve,” said Schuessler, who discussed the job change with police Chief Ana Lalley on her weekly “Fridays with the Fuzz” radio show on WRMN-AM (1410).
Probably the most unexpected aspect of the transition is learning the things he didn’t realize Fleury was responsible for while continuing to oversee the patrol operation until his replacement is named, he said.
“The chief and I are very busy trying to get things done. It’s an exciting time,” Schuessler said.
Among the deputy chief’s tasks is leading training efforts and the SWAT team.
Training has always been a passion for him, Schuessler said, and he enjoys mentoring new officers. His own training continues as well, he said. “I’m still learning a bunch of new things,” he said.
The current command staff has experience throughout the department, which Lalley said she believes offers “a much better perspective on the organization in totality” and makes for well-rounded leaders.
Lalley has worked with Schuessler throughout her career, including investigations.
“Adam is absolutely 100% ready for (his new job),” she said. “The deputy chief represents me when I’m not here. It’s important to me to have someone there that’s a person who’s considerate, empathetic and who’s able to take the punches and not respond.
“He cares about the officers. He cares about the city. He cares about the people,” she said.
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
