NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Police Department is undergoing a significant leadership transition as Police Chief Louis Alessandrini retires after 20 years with the village, celebrated with an emotional farewell at Monday’s Village Board meeting. As one leader departs, another stepped up, with David Nykiel being sworn in as the department’s newest police sergeant.

Mayor Tim Baldermann presented Alessandrini with a distinguished service award, praising his “unquestionable integrity and character” and his class-act leadership through challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a period of national anti-police sentiment.

“His entire time of serving this community, he has been the epitome of class and integrity,” Baldermann said. “As good leaders do, he has a strong succession plan in place. Weak leaders try to keep others down for job security purposes. Lou has always made sure that we have the very best ready to step up into the next role.”

Alessandrini, who will officially retire on August 9 after 30 total years in law enforcement, gave a heartfelt speech thanking the mayor, village staff, his family, and the officers he has led.

“My goal as a chief was just to leave the department better than it was when I accepted this role,” Alessandrini said, listing accomplishments like a new K-9 unit, a drone program, and a focus on officer well-being. “This department is full of outstanding people, men and women who bravely put on this uniform every day and come to work to serve this great community.”

He expressed confidence in the department’s future leaders, specifically thanking Deputy Chief Mike Nessie, who Baldermann has indicated will be his appointee for the next chief. “I’m very happy that you’ll be succeeding me in this role,” Alessandrini said to Nessie.

As part of that succession plan, Officer David Nykiel was sworn in as police sergeant during the same ceremony. After taking the oath of office administered by Baldermann, a beaming Nykiel thanked his family and colleagues.

“Thank you to my family, and everybody who came here to support me,” Sgt. Nykiel said. “I couldn’t have done it without learning from you and working with you side-by-side. It truly means a lot, and it’s truly an honor to be in this position.”