Village of Lyle promotes two veteran officers to police commander

Mayor Mary Jo Mullen and Police Chief Rodriguez ceremonially promoted two veteran officers to the re-established rank of commander at the Village of Lyle board meeting on March 2.

Chief Rodriguez said the department welcomed Anthony Terranova and Michael Akam as lateral-entry officers and that promoting them completes a personnel move begun earlier this week. "Whether it's launching our police drone program, strengthening leadership development or modernizing how we operate, we have taken important steps forward and today we take another," Chief Rodriguez said, introducing the officers.

Terranova, introduced by the chief as recently retired from the Glen Ellen Police Department, cited extensive narcotics enforcement and task-force experience. After taking the oath, Anthony Terranova thanked the mayor and board for the opportunity and said he looked forward to "being a small part of the forward progress being made here in Lyle." Michael Akam, who retired from Broadview after 24 years of service and who has worked with the Illinois State Police on narcotics and currency interdiction, said he plans to emphasize "professionalism, accountability, and community-centered policing."

Both officers were sworn in by Deputy Village Clerk Arnold and took brief remarks thanking family and colleagues. Mayor Mullen welcomed the new commanders and invited the assembled police department and families to take photographs following the ceremony.

The promotions were presented as a ceremonial recognition and did not require a roll-call vote during the meeting record. The administration described the moves as part of broader efforts to enhance leadership, training and retention within the police department. The board then moved on to other agenda items.