Glencoe officials have selected a veteran of the Chicago Police Department to be the village’s new public safety department director.
The village has announced Sean Loughran, who has served with the Chicago police for almost 27 years, has been hired as the new leader of Glencoe’s Public Safety Department. He will succeed Cary Lewandowski, who is scheduled to retire Sept. 1.
Loughran joined the CPD in November 1996, moving up through the ranks until reaching his current position of deputy chief, Office of the First Deputy Superintendent, according to his LinkedIn page.
According to his LinkedIn page, he is the highest-ranking sworn member in charge of major incidents in Chicago, including shootings involving police officers, SWAT incidents and mass shootings and other situations. He also acts as the public information officer for all major incidents.
Prior to that, Loughran was the CPD’s commander of the Special Functions Division in the Bureau of Counterterrorism.
“I am truly humbled to be selected to serve as the Public Safety Director for the Village of Glencoe,” Loughran said in a statement released by the village. “The selection process was comprehensive, and I was impressed that so many members of the community — from village leaders to key community stakeholders — were a part of it. It gave me keen insights into why the Public Safety Department is so well-regarded in and around Glencoe. I look forward to leading in a way that continues and builds upon that tradition. I see where the bar is set, and I’m honored to be part of the village team.”
Loughran emerged from a group of more than 60 applicants and five finalists from 15 states, according to the village.
“I noted immediately in the interview process the energy and passion Mr. Loughran brings to his current role, and the real sense that he would mirror that in his work in Glencoe. He cares deeply that a community should be served by committed, ethical and approachable public safety professionals. This is the mission of our Public Safety Department, and I know he will carry it forward in service to Glencoe exceptionally well. I am eager to welcome him to our community,” Village President Howard Roin added in the village statement.
Loughran will have a starting salary of $194,000, according to Village Manager Phil Kiraly.
He will preside over a department where there is a staffing level of 36 officers, but village officials have said at recent board meetings the force is down right now and there is a search for additional officers.
Loughran will preside over a department where officers are cross-trained as both police officers and firefighters. Glencoe and Rosemont are the only Illinois communities that use that method.
Loughran is scheduled to begin his new role on Oct. 5 with a formal swearing-in at the Oct. 19 Village Board meeting.
Deputy Public Safety Director Andrew Perley is set to serve as interim director after Lewandowski’s retirement and ahead of Loughran’s arrival.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.
