Grayslake's New Police Chief Takes the Reins

After months of ups and downs in the Grayslake Police Department, a new Police Chief begins his term, today, Monday, July 30.

Phillip Perlini is a former Deputy Police Chief with Glenview, where he served for 28 years. He has more than 32 years law enforcement experience overall.  He was officially appointed to the position July 3 by a unanimous approval by Village trustees.

"We're excited to have him on board," said Grayslake Mayor Rhett Taylor. "He really has a good sense of community policing and common sense policing."

Taylor said he is looking forward to the fact that Perlini is familiar with inter-governmental relationships. Grayslake's dispatch system is run by the Glenview Police Department, and Graylake also works with Hainesville police. "He's familiar with Grayslake and central Lake County for already working with our departments. I'm think that will really bring a lot of experience to our community," Taylor said.

Perlini also has the backing of former Chief Larry Herzog of Grayslake. Perlini's first job was as a dispatcher in Park Ridge when he was 18, working for Herzog.

"He really is very approachable and has a calm demeanor, very similiar to Herzog's," said Taylor. "I think the community is excited to have some permanency in this position."

Herzog retired in July of 2011 after serving 13 years as Grayslake's Chief. Matt McCutcheon served as interim chief before taking the position in February.

In April McCutcheon resigned from the position following  on March 30. McCutcheon was charged with driving under the influence and carrying his loaded weapon under the influence. He also hit another car head-on. No injuries were reported.

Jack McKeever, retired chief of Lindenhurst, has been serving as Grayslake's Interim Police Chief until Perlini was hired. Perlini is under a one-year contract with a base salary of $132,000.