The Urbana City Council on Aug. 11 confirmed Lieutenant Zachary Mikolic as deputy police chief for a term ending June 30, 2027.

Chief of Police presented Mikolic’s background and reasons for the appointment, describing him as a nearly 18-year law enforcement professional at the Urbana Police Department who currently serves as services division commander and has led initiatives on officer training, wellness, crisis co-response and recruitment. Mikolic thanked the mayor, chief and council and said he lives in Urbana and plans to continue community-focused work in the role.

Why it matters: the deputy police chief is a senior leadership post responsible for day-to-day department operations and for helping implement community-response programs the department described, including an officer wellness program, a structured internship program and a live-action crisis co-response team.

What the council did: Council member Jaya moved to approve the appointment of Zachary Mikolic as deputy police chief for a term ending June 30, 2027; Council member James seconded the motion. The council then conducted a roll-call vote and the appointment was approved by recorded majority of the seated council.

Details read into the record by the chief included Mikolic’s leadership of training and wellness work, community-engagement awards and prior military service in the Illinois Army National Guard. The chief said Mikolic holds a Master of Science in management and a bachelors degree in psychology from the University of Illinois and is scheduled to attend the FBI National Academy. Mikolic spoke briefly and described himself as "a relationship-first person" who lives and works in Urbana and intends to continue collaborating with the department and community.

Council members who spoke in favor cited Mikolics demonstrated care for officers and community and the development of a crisis co-responder team. Council member Grace requested more public involvement and coordination around the crisis co-responder work and noted the citys alternative response task force as a related effort.

Tally and next steps: Clerk called the roll; the motion passed. The appointment becomes effective as administered by the police department and the city; the record does not include the deputy chiefs start date or employment contract terms beyond the stated term end date.