‘A true homegrown talent’ named police chief in Round Lake Beach
The new police chief in Round Lake Beach is a 25-year department veteran who rose through the ranks.
Ryan Rodriguez, who began his career as a community service officer in 2000, was selected by Mayor Scott Nickles with village board approval and sworn in Monday. Rodriguez succeeds Wayne Wilde who retired April 17.
Rodriguez became a sworn police officer in 2002 and subsequently served as field training supervisor, patrol commander, investigations commander and since 2022 has been deputy chief overseeing support service and operations.
“Round Lake Beach has been a central part of who I am for more than half my life and I’m proud to serve as its chief,” he said.
He has served in a variety of specialized positions including gang specialist, juvenile officer and accreditation manager. Rodriguez received the Round Lake Beach Life Saving Award three times as well as numerous DUI enforcement awards.
He graduated from the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command and has a master’s degree in political science with a concentration in public administration and public policy.
Rodriguez said he aims to strengthen the department’s partnership with the community. Nickles said Rodriguez’s experience is unmatched and commitment to the community unwavering.
“Ryan is a true homegrown talent who has served in nearly every aspect of policing in Round Lake Beach,” Nickles said. “We’re confident the department is in great hands.”