ROCK ISLAND, Ill — After more than 30 years with the Rock Island Police Department, Police Chief Richard Landi retired on Friday, April 26.
Landi started at the department in 1993 and climbed through the ranks before becoming police chief in April 2022, after serving as interim chief for five months. During his time, he served as a patrol officer, sergeant, lieutenant and deputy chief of police.
“It's been an honor and privilege to have served in one of the finest police organizations in the nation,” Landi said in a press release. “Over the past 30 years, I've served in many roles within the police department and was fortunate to have worked with so many dedicated and talented people - past and present - many of whom shaped me as a police officer and guided me as a future leader."
The department hosted a retirement ceremony for Landi on Friday. The chief was also able to deliver his final 10-42, end of tour of duty.
Landi attended Black Hawk College where he studied law enforcement and criminal justice before receiving his certification from the University of Illinois Police Training Institute for Basic Correctional Officer, Basic Law Enforcement Officer and Master Firearms Instructor.
Before joining the force in Rock Island, Landi was an auxiliary police officer in Milan and was a correctional officer for the Mercer County Sheriff's Department, where he later became the jail administrator.
“On behalf of the City, I would like to express our sincere appreciation for Chief Landi and the incredible leadership he has provided to the Rock Island Police Department," Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms said in the release. "His dedication and commitment has led to a decrease in crime, improved community relations and an increase in efficiencies across the department."
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