The Palos Heights City Council met Tuesday, May 20, for its regular meeting, opening with a promotion ceremony for a longtime member of the city’s police department.
Mayor Bob Straz swore in Deputy Police Chief John Parnitzke, continuing a series of recent leadership changes in the department. After taking the oath of office, Parnitzke addressed a full chamber and reflected on the timing.
“Kind of funny—this morning we looked and saw that actually 14 years ago today, I got the news that I got the position of police officer here in Palos Heights,” he said. “So, 14 years to the day, and I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for all you guys in this room. So I thank you all and look forward to many more years.”
His appointment follows the recent promotion of Michael Yott to police chief.
Also promoted at Tuesday’s meeting were Detective Sergeant Craig Clark and Sergeant Michael Mathis.