Wheeling swears in Joseph Kopecky as police chief; he pledges integrity and open communication

Joseph Kopecky was formally sworn in as the new police chief of the Village of Wheeling on Feb. 2 during a ceremonial portion of the village board meeting.

The village manager introduced Kopecky and said the appointment reflects trust in his judgment and leadership, adding that the role requires ‘‘sound judgment under pressure, steady leadership . . . and a deep commitment to both public service and the people that serve alongside them.’’ The manager asked Kopecky’s wife, Wendy, to perform the ceremonial pinning of his badge.

During his remarks, Chief Joseph Kopecky thanked family and colleagues and described his 28-plus years in policing. "To everyone who works at the Wheeling Police Department, my commitment is to lead with integrity, accountability, and open communication," he said, adding he did not take the role lightly.

The board observed the ceremony, and Kopecky recited the oath of office before members of the public. The event concluded with board congratulations and brief reception plans.

Why it matters: A new police chief shapes department culture and local public safety priorities. Kopecky’s stated emphasis on accountability and communication sets expectations for his tenure and will guide interactions with residents and civic groups.

What’s next: The ceremony was ceremonial and appointment-based; no additional board vote was recorded for operational changes. Community members who spoke at public comment asked trustees to continue outreach on policing practices and data-sharing questions that relate to separate items on the agenda.