Patrick Murphy appointed police chief of Springfield Park District as Nargelenas retires
Patrick Murphy, who has served as a captain with the Springfield Park District Police Department after a long career with the Illinois State Police, was appointed park district police chief in an announcement Monday.
Murphy, 53, replaces police chief Laimutis "Limey" Nargelenas, who retired earlier this month.
Nargelenas, 74, was appointed police chief in 2015. He is a former state police superintendent.
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Murphy has been with the park district police since 2018, when he started as a part-time patrol officer. He will earn an annual salary of $78,000.
In addition to Murphy, the park district police department is comprised of two full-time patrol officers, including one vacancy, and nine part-time patrol officers.
Murphy retired from the state police after 29 years of service in a variety of enforcement, training, administrative and investigative assignments.
"I appreciate Chief Murphy's dedication to the Springfield Park District Police Department and to our shared community," said park district executive director Derek Harms. "I look forward to his leading the department and continuing our police department’s professional approach to assisting members of our community as they enjoy our parks and facilities.”
Murphy previously served as the Illinois State Police Training Academy commander and was responsible for all cadet, recruit, in-service, management and leadership training.
Murphy also served as the ISP’s bureau chief of communications, and as bureau chief of research and development.
Murphy is a member of the International Law Enforcement Trainers and Educators Association.
Murphy earned a bachelor’s degree in administration of justice from Southern Illinois University.
A 1986 graduate of Pawnee High School, Murphy has served for many years as a trustee for the village of Pawnee. He is also vice-president of the Pawnee Community Education Foundation.
Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788, sspearie@sj-r.com, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Retired state trooper named Springfield IL Park District police chief
