A leadership change is coming for the Peoria Police Department.
Police Chief Eric Echevarria informed the city he will retire as of May 15, after serving nearly five years in the role.
Echevarria issued a statement released by the city, saying his decision comes after “thoughtful reflection” and with a desire to spend more time with his family.
“From my very first day, my goal was simple: to leave this department and this community better than I found it,” said Echevarria. “I believe we have made real progress toward that goal, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together. More importantly, I am proud of the relationships built and the trust that continues to grow.”
City Manager Patrick Urich says Peoria has been “very fortunate” to have Echevarria, 52, as its top law enforcement official.
“He has put together a phenomenal engagement program within the community; he's been virtually at every public event in the in the community,” said Urich.
“We’ve seen great strides in the use of technology. We've seen that our gun violence and gun crime is down. We're seeing our staffing levels are up, and I can't thank him enough for his time as the police chief.”
Urich said he has chosen to promote Assistant Chief Brad Dixon as Echevarria’s permanent successor.
“In my 15 years, there's been no assistant chief who is better positioned to step into the role of chief than Brad Dixon,” said Urich. “He has been right by Chief Echeverria’s side and has done a phenomenal job. I'm really looking forward to continuing the great efforts that the department has been doing under Chief Dixon's leadership.”
In his “love letter” to the Peoria community, Echevarria says he knew he was taking on a great responsibility when he took the job as chief.
“What I did not fully understand at the time was just how deeply this community would embrace me,” Echevarria said. “Although I was not from Peoria, you welcomed me as one of your own. You showed me grace, trust, and support, and that is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
“Over the past several years, we have walked through challenges together, stood strong in difficult moments, and celebrated meaningful progress. I have had the privilege of leading a department filled with dedicated professionals who care deeply about this city. Together, with your support, we have made strides to strengthen public safety, build trust, and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”
Echevarria came to Peoria in 2021 after spending 20 years with the Elgin Police Department. His base salary in 2025 paid slightly more than $193,000, according to the city’s employee compensation report.
“Peoria is a special place. It is a community built on resilience, pride, and strong values, but more than that, it is a community full of heart. You showed that to me every step of the way,” Echevarria said in his statement.
“Wherever life takes me next, Peoria will always hold a special place in my heart. This city, and the people in it, have left a lasting mark on me. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to serve you and to be a small part of your story.”
Dixon, 49, a Richwoods High School graduate, has been with the Peoria Police since 2001, working his way up to captain prior to be named assistant chief following Echevarria’s hiring.
“Being born and raised in Peoria, it is an incredible honor to serve as your Chief of Police,” Dixon said in a separate news release. “I want to express my sincere appreciation to Chief Echevarria for his leadership and dedication to the department and our city.
“I am deeply grateful to the men and women of the Peoria Police Department for their hard work and unwavering commitment to keeping our community safe. I look forward to continuing that work by strengthening partnerships, building trust, and serving the people of Peoria. I am truly humbled by this opportunity to serve.”
