Dupage Policy Journal

The City of Wood Dale's new police chief was sworn in at the Nov. 17 city council meeting.

Veteran police officer Chris Zito was sworn in to his position in front of city council and his family, with his wife pinning on his badge. Zito thanked his family, parents, siblings, wife and three children for their support throughout his career. He also thanked the entire police department for doing such good work and allowing him to take this opportunity.

“I’d like to thank the city manager, the mayor, council, all the employees of the city who are here today — department heads, and members of the police department,” Zito said. “Thank you for your trust in putting me in this position and your support that I can lead this department. To all the police employees in the room, the sworn and civilian, I wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for you and the hard work you guys do everyday. At some point along in your career you guys did something that made me look good. So keep doing what you’re doing and thank you for the support.”

Zito has been a part of the Wood Dale Police Department since 2003. He was awarded officer of the year in 2007 and was a detective in 2018 and 2019 where he served on the major crimes task force and the county’s sexual predator task force. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2019. Zito has his master’s degree in Business Administration from Roosevelt University.

Patrick Bond, legal counsel for the city, swore Zito to the position.

The council canceled its Dec. 15 meeting; it would’ve been the last meeting for the city in 2022.

Alderman Michael Curiale was absent from the meeting.