There has been a changing of the guard at the Wauconda Police Department with a new chief named to replace David Wermes, who retired after more than a decade in the post.
Deputy Chief John Combs was officially appointed as the new chief at a recent Village Board meeting. He is a 27-year veteran of the department.
The village also announced promotions for Kristin Kolar, who is the new deputy chief, Heather Cognac, who was named commander, and Nick Weglarek, who was promoted to sergeant.
The promotions were prompted by Wermes’ decision to retire from the job as chief. Wermes announced his retirement in a May 26 letter.
“Serving this community has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life,” he wrote. “I am deeply grateful for the trust, support and partnership that the residents, businesses, elected officials, community organizations and members of our department have shown throughout my tenure.”
Wermes was honored at a retirement ceremony on June 1.
Cited for heroism
Three Zion police officers were recently cited for heroism as they were honored as Illinois Law Enforcement Medal of Honor winners.
Officers Tai M. Coggins, Daniel J. Jeffery and Haley N. Pacholsky, were among those given the award at a ceremony in Springfield by Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly.
The Medal of Honor, according to the ISP, “is awarded to officers who have been killed or seriously injured in the line of duty, or who have displayed exceptional bravery or heroism while performing their duties as a law enforcement officer.”
The Zion officers were recognized for their actions on March 26, 2025, when they responded to a fast-food restaurant for a report of a suicidal subject, possibly armed with a handgun.
The officers entered and saw the subject pull out a gun as he left. Officers Coggins and Pacholsky wrestled with the man as Jeffery tried to secure the gun. The man eventually surrendered the gun, and the officers took him into custody.
Stepped up patrols
Waukegan police announced that they will be conducting supplemental traffic enforcement now through June 18 at several spots around the city.
Areas that will see added patrols are: Delany Road from Yorkhouse Road to Sunset Avenue; Lewis Avenue from Beach Road to Sunset Avenue; Green Bay Road from Grand Avenue to Belvidere Road; Sheridan Road from Blanchard Road to Glen Flora Avenue; Green Bay Road from Belvidere Road to 14th Street; Green Bay Road from Pacific Avenue to Grand Avenue; Amstutz Expressway from Greenwood Avenue to Sheridan Road; Sunset Avenue from Green Bay Road to Lewis Avenue; Grand Avenue from Green Bay Road to Lewis Avenue; and Washington Street from Lewis Avenue to Sheridan Road.
Summer warning
The summer season is officially in full swing with the arrival of June, and Gurnee police are reminding people that warm days present opportunities for thieves to break into cars.
GPD is reminding people to lock their vehicles and take their keys before hitting the beach or a summer festival. It’s also a good practice to hide anything valuable that you are leaving in your car.
“Most vehicle burglaries are crimes of opportunity. A purse, wallet, phone, backpack, or even loose change left in plain sight can make your vehicle a target,” the department said in a social media post. “Help us keep Gurnee safe this summer by making it difficult for thieves and protecting your belongings.”
