Glencoe's new public safety director brings decades of experience

Andrew Perley, who has spent 18 years with the Glencoe Public Safety Department, began his official tenure as public safety director on Monday, Nov. 2. Perley was in his second stint as interim public safety director since September, when former Director Sean Loughran resigned. He was promoted to deputy chief in 2022 and also held an interim director title in 2023 after Cary Lewandowski’s retirement. Perley will be formally sworn in as public safety director at the Village Board meeting on Nov. 19.

Perley said in a statement that it is an honor to be trusted with leading the department where he has spent his entire career. He expressed gratitude to the Village Board, Village Manager Kiraly, and the residents for this opportunity. He looks forward to building on the strong foundation, supporting the professional growth of the team, and continuing to find new ways to serve the community.

During his career, Perley was a detective from 2011-2017, became a lieutenant in 2019, and served as a burglary investigator with the North Regional Major Crimes Task Force. Glencoe Public Safety is a cross-trained department, in which officers are trained in police, fire, and emergency medical services.

Village Manager Phil Kiraly praised Perley for his steadiness, good judgment, and clear focus on the people of Glencoe. He emphasized that Perley knows the department and the community and is ready to lead both into the future. Perley will lead a search for deputy chief and lieutenant while also looking to fill vacancies and add new officers in 2027.

New Trier High School will host a free and public lecture this week featuring Dr. Michael Cushing speaking about the James Webb Space Telescope. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Nov. 4 in the McGee Theatre at New Trier’s Winnetka campus. Though the event is free, attendees are encouraged to RSVP to help ensure adequate seating.

Career fair on Thursday at Niles West will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5, in the main gym at Niles West High School. The event is open to all area students, parents, and community members to learn more about local job opportunities and career support.