Sheriff Mark Curran is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Undersheriff and the reorganization of his administrative command. The organizational changes will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the services provided to the Lake County community.
In September, Sheriff Curran formed a committee to assist in a thorough review and assessment of the current administrative command structure. The committee consisted of Sheriff Curran, Libertyville Chief of Police Clint Herdegen (former Hoffman Estates Chief of Police), former Lake County Undersheriff Charles Fagan (also formerly the Antioch Chief of Police), and Lake County First Assistant State’s Attorney Jeffery Pavletic.
To improve efficiency, Sheriff Curran merged the ranks of Chief of Operations and Chief of Administration into one rank; Chief of Law Enforcement and Community Services. Sheriff Curran also appointed a new Undersheriff.
Effective October 6, 2017, Sheriff Curran promoted Chief of Operations David D. Hare to Undersheriff. David was initially hired by Sheriff Curran in September of 2016. David began his law enforcement career with the Round Lake Beach Police Department in 1992. He held many responsibilities throughout his career with the Village of Round Lake Beach, working his way up through the law enforcement ranks. He was promoted to Chief of Police in 2014. He holds his Master of Arts in Public Administration from Roosevelt University, Chicago. David also serves as an adjunct instructor at Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety, where he instructs management-level police administration courses.
In his new role as Undersheriff, David will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. All Sheriff’s Office Chiefs will report directly to David.
Chief of Administration Jonathan Petrillo will assume the role of Chief of Law Enforcement and Community Services. Jonathan was hired by Sheriff Curran in April of 2017 as Chief of Administration. Chief Petrillo previously served the Vernon Hills Police Department for 24 years, before retiring as a Deputy Chief. He holds a Master of Science and Organizational Leadership Degree from Dominican University.
In his new role, Jonathan will oversee Highway Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Court Security, Warrants, Civil Process, Records, Community Services, Training, and Judicial Sales. All Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chiefs and Division Heads will report directly to Jonathan.
Chief David Wathen will continue leading the operations of the Lake County Jail and Chief Jennifer Witherspoon will continue her leadership overseeing jail programming. Chief Witherspoon holds her Juris Doctor Law Degree from John Marshall Law School. In addition to her role overseeing jail programming, she serves as the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Legal Liaison.
Sheriff Mark Curran said, “I believe our reorganization will streamline and enhance our operational excellence, continuing to ‘raise the bar’ at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Undersheriff Hare and Chief Petrillo both have a wealth of experience and knowledge; both demonstrate exceptional management skills. They, along with Chief Witherspoon and Chief Wathen will continue providing great leadership to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. I am very proud of our staff and their dedication to keeping the people of Lake County safe.”