Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
The Italian American Police Association will honor Niles Police Chief Joseph Romano on Oct. 4 at Chateau Ritz in Niles. The IAPA will also honor Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department Chief of Police Leo Schmitz (Police Officer of the Year Award), Illinois Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge President Chris Southwood (Lifetime Achievement Award), and attorney David Petrich and businessman and philanthropist Dr. Willie Wilson (Special Recognition Award). The following profile was provided by the IAPA.
Niles Police Chief Joseph Romano
Joseph Romano grew up in the Niles area and attended Nelson Elementary School and Gemini Junior High School in Niles. In 1983, while attending Maine East High School, Romano started as a Police Explorer with the Niles Police Department. He was eventually hired by the Police Department and has held every position on his way to his current post as Chief of Police. Those positions have included Public Service Aid, 911 Telecommunicator, Canine Officer, Detective, North Regional Major Crimes Task Force (NORTAF) Homicide, Patrol Sergeant, Administrative Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Detective Commander, Detective Bureau Chief and Deputy Chief of Operations.
Romano’s training and education have taken him to Oakton Community College, the Chicago Police Academy, Landheim K-9 Training Center, Northwestern University (Supervision of Police Personnel, Executive Management and Staff, and Staff and Command) and Northeastern University (Bachelor of Arts).
His certifications include Lead Homicide Investigator, Force Science (Force Science Institute), Field Training Officer, K-9 Officer, Gang Enforcement Officer, Juvenile Officer, Crime Prevention Officer and Dignitary Protection.
Romano has received accolades in every position he has held at the Police Department in addition to a host of honors throughout his career. While attending the Police Academy, Romano was voted Outstanding Recruit by his peers for his leadership skills and ability to lead by example. In 2008, he was voted Police Officer Special Agent of the Year by the Niles Chamber of Commerce. In December 2021, Romano received the Public Safety Executive Leadership Award from the Northwestern University School of Public Safety for his successful completion of their Supervision, Staff and Command, and Executive Management courses. Romano is a longtime member and past President of the Niles Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #138.
Romano lives in Niles with his wife of 33 years and three adult kids.
For event details, click here.
