Hodgins Police Chief Joseph Klotz and the village have parted ways.
Mayor Ernest Millsap, the police chief before Klotz, said his decision to leave the department was mutual. The decision was announced at the Jan. 13 village board meeting. Klotz did not attend the meeting.
Millsap said Deputy Chief Ryan Carrasquillo would be the interim chief until further notice.
Klotz spent 20 years with the village police force. He started out as a police clerk, became a police officer, and eventually deputy chief before being made chief when Millsap retired as chief in August of 2022.
Carrasquillo has been with the Hodgkins Police Department for nearly two decades, and was named deputy chief back in August.
Another personnel decision was announced at the meeting when Paul Gray Jr was promoted to Public Works Foreman.
He was sworn in by Hodgkins Village Attorney and retired Judge Pat Rogers.
Public Works Superintendent Jody Kovel said Gray has been with the village for 10 years.
“Paul has been a mechanic with us for 10 years. We promoted him as a foreman which has been a vacant position for a few years. During his time here, he has shown notable leadership qualities that have proven his readiness to enter a supervisory role. We are excited to see Paul enter his new position and have full confidence in his abilities to perform as the Foreman of Public Works.”
Kovel himself was given an award at the same meeting.
Millsap presented Kovel with the 2024 President’s Award for Outstanding Public Service.
Millsap said it was a well deserved award for all of the work Kovel has done for the village.
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