Police Chief Mike Smudzinski of La Salle announces his retirement.
Mike Smudzinski, the long-serving La Salle Police Chief, is about to hang up his badge. Smudzinski joined the La Salle force from the Oglesby police back in 1997 and has spent the last two decades serving this city. He ascended to the top role in 2020. Smudzinski is set to retire early in October, and it looks like Jason Stubler, a 21-year vet of Naperville PD, is next in line for the top job.
Mayor Jeff Grove expresses his warm regards for Smudzinski, wishing him all the best as his retirement date looms.
Flip the script, and it's Stubler, a La Salle hometown hero, who's taking over. Currently serving as a commander with Naperville PD, he's been tapped to become the new La Sille police chief, set to start on October 6, 2025, subject to city council approval. With Smudzinski's retirement effective October 10, 2025, after 28 years with the La Salle PD and five as chief, the baton is due to pass. Stubler's ascension signals a significant leadership change in La Salle's law enforcement. Grove and the city council have shown their support for Smudzinski's retirement and enthusiasm for Stubler stepping into the role[1].
In the context of Mike Smudzinski's retirement, the city council will consider Jason Stubler, a 21-year veteran of Naperville PD, for the position of La Salle Police Chief, marking a potential shift in the city's financial affairs and business landscape, as the new chief's career trajectory could bring fresh ideas to the department's operations. Stubler, a La Salle hometown hero, will take over from Smudzinski on October 6, 2025, concluding Smudzinski's 28-year tenure in La Salle's law enforcement business careers.
