From cadet to commissioner, retiring Village of Westmont Police Chief Tom Mulhearn has worn many hats during his 39 years of service to the department, beginning in 1974 and coming to a conclusion Oct. 7.
After graduating from Triton Community College in River Grove, Mulhearn obtained basic law enforcement training from the Chicago Police Academy. With further preparation at Northwestern University, the University of Illinois, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center for Domestic Preparedness, he also attended the FBI’s Quantico, Virginia-based National Academy.
“Tom has been a great ambassador for the Village of Westmont,” Mayor Ron Gunter said. “He is so well liked and respected by not only our residents and the community, but also by the numerous police departments throughout the area. We have great praise for Tom and all he has done.”
Chief Mulhearn said he was honored to serve Westmont, where he has lived since 1977. He worked as a patrolman, detective, juvenile officer, sergeant and in many more roles before becoming Chief in 2009. While on the Westmont force he merited several awards and commendations.
Additionally, he has belonged to many trade and civic organizations such as the Rotary and Lions Clubs, often taking leadership roles. In honor of his retirement, Mulhearn recently became an honorary fireman at Westmont’s Street Fair & Fire Truck Night.
“I have worked on several serious crimes in which we brought criminals to justice, but my greatest pride comes from being able to serve all of the wonderful people I have met and worked with,” Mulhearn said. “I have been lucky to forge great friendships. The other day, a resident told me ‘I hate to see you go because you’re the nicest police officer I’ve ever met.’ That remark means everything to me.”
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