St. Charles council unanimously appoints Daniel J. Lykins as police chief, effective Sept. 15

The St. Charles City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to appoint Daniel J. Lykins as chief of police of the city of St. Charles, effective Sept. 15, 2025. The council approved the appointment after a national search and a formal motion on the council floor. The appointment follows a multi-step search that the mayor and council described as national in scope and deliberately inclusive of department personnel and city staff. Mayor Clint Hall said the council received about 50 applications from across the country before settling on Lykins. Hall said the council involved sworn and non‑sworn police personnel, city directors and an outside search process. “When I met you the first time, Dan, Heather and Jen had to close the door to prevent me from running after you that day and offering you the job,” Hall said. “We went through that process and…we have one candidate that just rose from the top.” During the meeting the mayor outlined Lykins’s background, saying he brings about 30 years of law‑enforcement experience, including 28 years with the Illinois State Police and work in patrol and criminal investigations. The mayor also said Lykins holds an associate degree in criminal justice, a bachelor’s degree in management and is a graduate of the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command. The motion to appoint Lykins was made by Petrillo and seconded by Werbel; the roll call recorded a unanimous yes vote. Lykins spoke briefly after the vote and thanked family members and colleagues in the room. “I’ve had a great run. I turned in all my gear last week to the state police after almost 29 years, but I can’t wait to get to work,” he said. “I just can’t wait to be part of the community.” The appointment is a formal personnel action by the council; the council did not discuss changes to departmental budget or any immediate operational directives tied to the appointment during the vote. Mayor Hall and the council praised the police command staff for maintaining department operations during the search and said they expect a transition period before Lykins assumes duties on Sept. 15. No ordinance or salary resolution tied to the appointment was presented on the council floor at the time of the vote, and council members who spoke limited their remarks to welcome and thanks.

Speakers quoted or referenced in this article are those who spoke at the meeting and are listed in the speakers section below.