Police Chief James “Jim” Sassetti retired last week after five years leading the Stickney Police Department and more than three decades in law enforcement.
“I’ve been with a police department for a little over 31 years, and felt it was time,” Sassetti said.
Before joining Stickney, Sassetti retired from the Berwyn Police Department. In Stickney, he oversaw major expansions and upgrades across the department.
“We expanded the department from 19 to 31 officers, modernized all technology infrastructure and software, added street surveillance and license plate readers,” Sassetti said. “We replaced our entire fleet of squad cars and focused heavily on training for our officers.”
Sassetti said the department is now fully compliant with the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board and has exceeded state minimums for professional standards.
Mayor Jeff Walik praised Sassetti’s leadership and impact.
“Jim gave us an amazing five years of service,” Walik said. “He took our department to a level in those five years that otherwise might not have been done in 10.”
Asked about the department’s future, Sassetti said he hopes to see continued growth.
“I’d like to see it expand on the framework we’ve built and keep moving forward,” he said. “There’s a great nucleus in the department that does a fine job for residents and the village.”
Deputy Chief Jerry Chlada Jr. was sworn in as the new chief at the May 6 village board meeting. Deputy Chief Cruz Ortiz was also sworn in, and Deputy Chief Mark Kozelka assumed his role in March of 2024.