The Harwood Heights Police Department welcomed a new chief of police in July, promoting Deputy Chief John DeVries to the top ranking position.
DeVries, a 40-year veteran of the department, said he hopes to offer an open-door policy to residents, prioritize the promotion of police officers and protect the community that he has called home all his life.
DeVries was sworn in July 25 by John Mulroe, Cook County circuit judge and former state senator. His promotion followed Chief Frank Biagi’s retirement July 12.
DeVries had been serving as acting chief since Biagi’s last day, but the swearing in ceremony made his new role official.
“He is so ready for this next step,” said Mayor Arlene Jezierny while introducing DeVries. She praised his leadership skills and said he “takes great pride in keeping our community safe.”
“The good guys love him, the bad guys, not so much,” Jezierny said.
DeVries joined the department as a part time auxiliary officer and dispatcher in 1982 and was hired as a full time officer in 1987. He moved through the ranks as a patrolman, detective, sergeant and commander of detectives and deputy chief.
Over the past decade, DeVries said he has assisted Biagi by attending meetings, going to events and giving crime seminars to seniors. Because of this experience, he doesn’t think there will be much of a learning curve.
“The position itself doesn’t change much for me,” said DeVries. “But it’s nice to know that now I have a final say of what’s going to happen.”
Jezierny said she is confident DeVries will set a good example.
“Besides his official work, he is always ready to step in and help someone in need — whether it’s a relative, neighbor, a friend or simply just doing his job,” she said.
As a lifelong resident of Harwood Heights and Norridge, DeVries said his roots are strong and he hopes that residents feel comfortable approaching him.
“I open my doors up to the general public,” he said. “Any residents in town who has any issues, come talk to me.”
DeVries said his nickname within the department is “The Fixer,” though he said he thinks the village is running smoothly and there’s nothing in the department that is broken or needs to be fixed.
“Every day I want to go home and tell my family I helped somebody, if not a lot of people,” he said. “And I want to help the other officers and support everyone in the department, we’re a team here it takes the whole department to do what’s right.”
One of his first goals is promoting deserving officers to higher ranks. He said he is happy to fill Biagi’s shoes.
“He did a great job here and I’m happy for him and that he can move on to the phase next of his life,” DeVries said.