The Village of Barrington Hills is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Semelsberger as Chief of the Barrington Hills Police Department. The February Board of Trustees meeting decision was unanimous, he is the man for the job.

President Martin J. McLaughlin stated “He has impressed me with his work ethic, his knowledge of our community, as well as his passion to protect and serve the residents of this community.” Trustee Patty Meroni agreed, “I think he will do an outstanding job.”

A law enforcement veteran, Chief Semelsberger has served the Barrington Hills Police Department for more than 25 years. He began his service as a Patrol Officer working his way up through Field Training Officer, Detective, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant before being promoted to Deputy Chief in July of 2011. Following the retirement of former Police Chief Michael Murphy in October 2014, he served as Acting Police Chief.

During his 25 year career, Chief Semelsberger has received the Barrington Hills Police Life Saving Award, Merit Award, Commendation Award, Supervisory Achievement Award, and Outstanding Community Service Award. Rich has also received the Cook County Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Award of Merit and in 2013 was awarded the Northwestern University Public Safety Executive Leadership Award. Rich is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command and Executive Management Program.

Joseph Colditz was also unanimously appointed Deputy Chief of Police to fill the vacancy left by now Chief Semelsberger. Introducing the appointment for vote President McLaughlin stated that “Joe has always looked for ways to improve the level of service provided to residents of Barrington Hills.”

Deputy Chief Colditz is also no stranger to the Village. He joined the Police Department in 1998, earning rank of Lieutenant in 2005. He is a graduate of the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command, holds a Bachelor of Science in Administration of Criminal Justice, and has received the Chief’s Award for Meritorious Service, a Meritorious Conduct Award, several Department Commendations and the Cook County Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Award of Merit.

The Village is excited to have such a strong team leading the Department. They plan to build on the tradition of exemplary service to the residents of Barrington Hills. Chief Semelsberger stated that “we will stay true to our core mission of providing the best possible security and service to our residents.”

Please join us in congratulating Chief Richard Semelsberger and Deputy Chief Joseph Colditz in their appointments.