Joliet honors retiring Police Chief Bill Evans at council meeting

The Joliet City Council and community leaders paid tribute to Police Chief Bill Evans at the May 19 meeting as he prepares to retire after about 32 years in law enforcement.

“I told you that I would put my heart and soul into this position, and the second was that I would leave the place better than I found it,” Chief Evans said, thanking council members, city staff and residents for their support during his tenure. He pointed to a range of accomplishments during his four years in Joliet, including reduced crime rates and investments in equipment and technology for officers.

Klein Nabuowo, president of Joliet Junior College, described Evans as a steady partner during emergencies and large public events, saying the department’s coordination with the college helped protect campus and community safety. “That level of calm leadership during such a difficult moment speaks volumes about who Chief Evans is,” Nabuowo said.

Several council members and attendees offered personal thanks and recall of working with Evans on public safety matters. The council paused its agenda to invite community representatives and partners to offer remarks and present tributes.

Evans said his retirement will be “bittersweet” and expressed pride in the department’s work and community partnerships. No formal personnel actions were taken at the meeting; the council’s remarks were celebratory and procedural, and Evans did not announce a successor during his comments.

The council’s recognition included brief remarks from partners and an invitation to the community to join in future events honoring law enforcement and public‑safety personnel.