The Flossmoor Village Board this week recognized a few key staff changes made to its fire and police departments over the past few months — and the room was packed.
“We are very excited to see so many families and friends and co-workers out here to celebrate several wonderful employees of the Village of Flossmoor tonight,” Mayor Michelle Nelson said.
The village board kicked off its meeting Monday, Nov. 21, by officially administering the oath of office to Flossmoor Fire Capt. Tom Farley, who was appointed to the position on July 7. Farley’s wife pinned his badge to his uniform following the oath, per a long-standing department tradition to have a designee do so.
“I wouldn’t be here without her,” Farley said. “She’s literally inspired me to do many things.”
Farley began his fire service career in 2002 as a paid-on-call firefighter for the Village of Tinley Park, according to a presentation by Fire Chief Robert Kopec. He then worked full-time with the Village of Matteson starting in 2004 and was promoted to lieutenant for the last four years there. He also served for 10 years as a member of the Combined Area Response Team.
Farley is a graduate of Tinley Park High School and veteran of the United States Air Force. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public safety administration from Southern Illinois University and multiple certifications from the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
“Tonight’s a great night for the Flossmoor Fire Department, as we appoint our newest captain,” Kopec said.
The village also held a ceremonial oath of office for Flossmoor Police Deputy Chief Keith Taylor, who was appointed to that position on Aug. 27 following the retirement of former Deputy Chief Clinton Wagner. Village Clerk Gina LoGalbo administered both oaths.
“It is a pleasure to serve you in this capacity,” Taylor said, addressing the officers on the streets after offering thanks to many people, including them. “I pledge to you that I will lead by example. I will do everything in my power in this office and any others I might hold in the future to provide everything I can for you in the way of training, education and equipment, so that you can be the best you can and serve this great village we are part of.”
Taylor served as a correctional officer and drill instructor for the Cook County Sheriff’s Department before joining the Flossmoor Police Department in 2009 as a patrol officer, according to a presentation by Police Chief Tod Kamleiter. Taylor was promoted to patrol sergeant in 2013 and then police commander in 2020.
Taylor has both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Calumet College of St. Joseph, and attended the School of Police Staff & Command and the Executive Management Program at Northwestern University Center for Public Safety. He served four years of active duty as a military police officer in the United States Navy.
“I’m honored that this is my last board presentation,” said Kamleiter, who is also retiring. “It couldn’t be a better topic.”
In addition to the oath, Taylor was recognized by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police as a Certified Eligible Police Chief. To be considered for the certification, people must meet criteria for experience, education, professional membership and community involvement, and then pass an examination about managerial concepts, modern policing concepts, law and leading cases, and budgeting principles, Kamleiter explained. Candidates also must face a panel of their peers, he said.
Downers Grove Police Chief Shanon Gillette, who serves as first vice president at large for the association, was at the meeting to recognize Taylor’s certification.
“Achieving the designation of Certified Eligible represents a commitment to professional development and to carrying out the duties of a law enforcement executive, according to the highest standards and traditions of this noble profession,” Gillette said. “Deputy Chief Taylor has demonstrated his ability to serve this profession and the Flossmoor community as a competent, ethical and inclusive leader.”
Nelson also read a resolution honoring Wagner, who first joined the Flossmoor Police Department on Dec. 12, 2001, as an officer. He was promoted to sergeant in 2009, administrative sergeant in 2016 and deputy chief in 2019.
Wagner was a founding member and commander of the Suburban Major Accident Reconstruction Team and served as vice president on its board of directors, Nelson said. He also serves on the board of trustees for the Flossmoor Police Pension Fund, currently as president. And he has been a member of the South Suburban Chiefs of Police Honor Guard, serving as chairperson to the Board of Directors of Funerals and Protocols.
The resolution noted the village’s appreciation for the work he has done and extended best wishes to Wagner and his family.
“This is a family; this is a community,” Wagner said. “Keep it up. Keep going. Keep doing the hard work. The police department’s going to be in good hands.”