With close to 32 years on the force, retiring village of Bartlett Police Chief Kent Williams holds the record of longest service by a sworn officer in the department’s history.
“My kids have always claimed I bleed Bartlett blue -- I think they’re right,” Williams said before yielding the office to his replacement, Deputy Chief Patrick Ullrich. “The village of Bartlett and its wonderful citizens have been a blessing to my family and me and have allowed me to fulfill my calling."
Having joined the Bartlett Police Department in 1985, Williams progressed from patrol officer to detective and then sergeant. In 2002, he became investigative commander; in 2005, was named operational chief; and in 2011, advanced to department chief.
Kent Williams advanced to department chief in 2011.
| File photo
“We wish Kent and his family all the best," Village Administrator Valerie Salmons said. "When he came on board as our police chief, he took a department that was already highly successful and added new layers of professionalism, integrity and outstanding public service. I know that Chief Ullrich will continue in that same vein. Bartlett is fortunate to have him assume this leadership position in the department."
Ullrich brings over 18 years of service as a patrolman, crime prevention officer and instructor for DARE and emergency driving courses. He became a sergeant in 2004, a commander in 2006 and deputy chief in 2009 -- serving on various committees and civic initiatives.
Ullrich earned a bachelor’s in law enforcement justice and administration from Western Illinois University in Macomb and a master’s in organizational leadership from Judson University in Elgin.
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