Washington Chief of Police Mike McCoy has announced his retirement, ending a 48-year career in law enforcement.
In a release issued Wednesday by the Washington Police Department, McCoy said he will end his nearly eight years as the head of the department Monday.
“Chief McCoy has been an icon in law enforcement over the years,” outgoing Washington Mayor Gary Manier said in the release, touting the chief’s “personal brand of professionalism and positive image.”
McCoy’s latest four-year contract with an annual salary of $144,740 expires with the April 30 close of the 2024-25 fiscal year.
Before taking over as Washington’s chief in 2017, McCoy spent 15 years as the Peoria County Sheriff following the death of his predecessor, Chuck Schofield. He also previously served as the police chief in Peoria Heights.
Washington mayor-elect Lilija Stevens said she’s “grateful” for McCoy’s contributions to the Washington community.
“Chief McCoy served in law enforcement for 40 years before coming here,” Stevens said in the release. “He still made quite the impact in Washington at a time in his career when many others in his position would have ridden into the sunset. He’s earned his retirement and then some.”
McCoy’s retirement Monday coincides with the next Washington City Council meeting, where Stevens will be sworn in to start her mayoral term. It will be up to Stevens to appoint a new police chief with the council's approval.
