Flossmoor’s new Deputy Chief Douglas Merkle, police officer Anoribe Nwannewuihe and the new Village Clerk Cecil Porter were sworn in and welcomed by the community at the July 21 board of trustees meeting.
In his new position, Merkle is second-in-command assisting the chief in managing and overseeing all aspects of department operations.
At the time of Merkle’s appointment, Flossmoor Chief of Police Carl Estelle said, “During the past several months, initially as the director of police services then as the chief of police, I have had the opportunity to closely examine the functions, operations and personnel of the Flossmoor Police Department, knowing that one of the most critical components of ensuring the success of the department is securing the right command staff.”
Merkle’s appointment, effective July 2, was made after an application and interview process for internal candidates. He has been with the Flossmoor Police Department since 2010 and was named a police sergeant in 2023. He graduated from Brother Rice High School in Chicago and has a degee in law enforcement and justice administration from Western Illinois University.
He completed a program at the School of Police Staff and Command at Northwestern University in January. For the last 12 years, Merkle has been a member of the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS) Mobile Filed Force Mutual Aid Team.
Nwannewuihe, a Chicago native, graduated from Lindbloom Math and Science Academy and Dominican University in 2016 with a degree in rhetoric and communications.
Nwannewuihe joined the Olympia Fields Police Department in 2021 and was a detective in Olympia Fields for two years. He joined the Flossmoor Police Department in April.
Porter will fill the village clerk’s position until the next municipal election in 2027. The board approved his selection by Mayor Michelle Nelson who said she reviewed numerous applications.
“Cecil’s knowledge of law, strategic-thinking abilities and strong communication skills combined with his passion for the Flossmoor community makes him the right choice,” Nelson said. “He will be an incredible addition to the board through his continued service and care for the Village of Flossmoor.”
Porter, who received his law degree from Northern Illinois University, is a litigation attorney at Litchfield Cavo LLP. He is a member of the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association.
He has been a Flossmoor resident since 2018 and has served on the Flossmoor Green Commission.
