Barrington Hills police chief retires Friday

Barrington Hills Police Chief Joseph Colditz is hanging up his badge and gun after more than 25 years on the force.

Friday is Colditz’s last day as chief, a position he’s held since 2019. The village board publicly honored Colditz for his service during its meeting Monday night.

Sgt. David Kann will serve as interim chief until a long-term successor is named. Officials have a shortlist of final candidates but haven’t yet selected one, Village Clerk Nikki Panos said.

Colditz joined the Barrington Hills Police Department as a police officer in 1998. He worked his way up through the ranks in the years that followed, serving as a field training officer, a juvenile officer and a child passenger safety technician, among other official and unofficial responsibilities.

“I will particularly miss Joe in November when I’m struggling to hang the holiday lights on the village entrance sign,” Village Administrator Anna Paul said in an announcement on the village’s website.

Colditz earned many accolades and awards during his career, including a Chiefs Award for Meritorious Service, a Meritorious Conduct Award and several department commendations, officials said.

Former Chief Rich Semelsberger, who preceded Colditz in the post, was among those who’ve wished him a happy retirement.

“Joe has been an extremely dedicated and hardworking employee for BHPD and throughout his career,” Semelsberger said in the village’s announcement.