The city of Peru’s first female police chief was sworn in last night. Deputy Chief Sarah Raymond is replacing Chief Robert Pyszka who announced his retirement as the chief last week. Raymond says it’s a pretty big honor to be the first female to lead a police department in LaSalle County.
During her first year, she says she wants to create a few new positions and promote some people because the department has several new officers.
She also says over the next few years, she also says wants to create programs for mental health awareness and drug addiction. Mayor Ken Kolowski says it was a historic day for the city and he was honored to be able to swear Raymond in. Before the ceremony the alderman at the meeting voted unanimously to make Raymond the city’s next police chief. Alderman Tom Payton was absent. Raymond is the acting police chief even though Pyszka announced in his resignation letter that he his last day is on Saturday.
A large crowd that included family, friends, and officer with the Peru Police Department filled the city council chambers.