UPDATED 12:31 P.M.
PEORIA, Ill. – Peoria’s Police Chief is planning to step away from the role next month.
In a statement posted on Monday, Eric Echevarria announced that he will be retiring on May 15th. The city of Peoria has announced that Asst. Chief Brad Dixon will take over as Chief the next day.
Echevarria was sworn-in as Chief of Police on July 30th, 2021.
Echevarria says the decision comes after a “thoughtful reflection,” and says he wants to be more present for his family as his son enters high school. He adds his belief that it is the right time for a leadership transition, both personally and professionally.
Echevarria says his goal from day one was to leave the department and community in a better place, and believes they have and is proud of the relationships and trust built.
Echevarria adds that Peoria is a “special place” and thanked the community for welcoming him as one of their own. He says the city is built on pride, resilience, and strong values, and that Peoria will “always hold a special place in my heart.”
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PEORIA, Ill. – The Peoria Police Department will have a new top cop next month.
The city of Peoria has announced that Brad Dixon will take over as Chief of Police on May 16th. Dixon is taking over for Eric Echevarria, who is leaving the role after nearly five years.
A Peoria Police spokeswoman says Echevarria is planning a statement about his department for later in the day on Monday.
Echevarria was sworn-in as Chief on July 30th, 2021. The city thanked Echevarria for expanding the department’s use of technology, increasing grant funding, decreasing gun crime, and increasing personnel in the department.
Dixon is a Peoria-native with more than 25 years of experience with the Peoria Police Department, and has been Assistant Chief since October 2021.
In a statement from the city, Dixon says he plans to continue the department’s work in strengthening partnerships and building trust.
“Being born and raised in Peoria, it is an incredible honor to serve as your Chief of Police,” said Dixon. “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.”
