On Tuesday, January 19, 2021, the Village of Tampico[, IL,] announced that Mike Lewis has been appointed Chief of Police.
Chief Lewis was previously a Deputy with the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department. Lewis worked virtually all positions within the Department over his 17-year tenure, including detention services, patrol, special enforcement, investigations, and civil service. He also served as an Officer of the Village of Tampico and the City of Lanark, IL.
Commenting on the transition in leadership, Mayor Kristine Hill said, “Mike’s comprehensive knowledge of Law Enforcement, his tireless work ethic, and knowledge of our community make him the perfect choice to succeed the former Chief. A Deputy Sheriff and Officer in cities throughout Whiteside County, he has built a strong reputation for values we believe in: accountability, efficiency, responsiveness, and innovation. We’re thrilled to have Chief Lewis build a department that furthers the vision of our community for the 21st century.”
Lewis has a lifetime of experience in public service and Law Enforcement. He began his service by enlisting in the military and was deployed in the Gulf War. Upon his return, he worked to put himself through the program of studies in Criminal Justice, offered by the Police Academy at the University of Illinois, at Champaign‐Urbana. There, Lewis worked to complete 480 hours of intensive training over 14 weeks and was licensed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. He served as an Officer in Lanark for three years before he began his service in the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department.
In 2020, Mike and other first responders throughout Whiteside County formed a first responders support organization. Boots on the Ground of Whiteside County is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit to improve public safety. The organization provides support for impactful and innovative programs, initiatives, training, and equipment for first responders throughout Whiteside County.
Throughout decades Lewis has spent serving his community, he has lived in his hometown of Rock Fall, IL, with his wife, Shelly, and two children, Alan and Paige. He is a graduate of Rock Falls High School. Lewis served as President of the Montmorency School Board. He previously served a multi-year term as President of the Board of Education of Rock Falls High School, where he remains an active member of the board. He also serves on the board of the Rock Falls Alumni Association.