Waterman Hires Former Sycamore Deputy as New Police Chief

Jeffrey Wig, a 20-year veteran, takes over the top law enforcement role in the growing village.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:00pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge or handcuffs against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic without depicting any violence or victims.The appointment of a new police chief signals a shift in leadership and priorities for the Waterman Police Department.DeKalb Today

The Village of Waterman, Illinois has hired Jeffrey Wig, a former deputy police chief from the nearby city of Sycamore, to serve as the new police chief for the community. Wig, who has over two decades of policing experience, is described as prioritizing community engagement and relationship-building in his approach to law enforcement.

Why it matters

The appointment of a new police chief is an important leadership transition for any community, as the chief sets the tone and priorities for the local department. Waterman is described as a 'proud and growing village' that values a strong sense of identity, so Wig's focus on community involvement and approachability could be well-received by residents.

The details

Jeffrey Wig retired in May 2025 from the Sycamore Police Department, where he had served in a variety of roles including patrol, investigations, and critical responses. He was among the law enforcement officers who responded to the 2008 mass shooting at Northern Illinois University. In his new role as Waterman's police chief, Wig said he is 'honored and humbled' to serve the community, noting that his family has lived in DeKalb County for five generations.

  • Wig retired from the Sycamore Police Department in May 2025.
  • Wig was hired as the new police chief of Waterman in April 2026.

The players

Jeffrey Wig

A former deputy police chief from Sycamore, Illinois who has over two decades of policing experience. He is the new police chief for the Village of Waterman.

Waterman Police Department

The local law enforcement agency for the Village of Waterman, Illinois, which has hired Jeffrey Wig as its new police chief.

Sycamore Police Department

The police department in the nearby city of Sycamore, Illinois, where Jeffrey Wig previously served as a deputy police chief before retiring in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“This community is more than just where I work; it is home. My family has lived in DeKalb County for five generations, and that connection means everything to me. I understand the values that make small communities strong: trust, hard work, and looking out for one another. It is a privilege to serve now and protect a place that reflects those same values.”

— Jeffrey Wig, New Police Chief, Waterman Police Department

“Whether working with schools, serving on advisory boards, presenting to professional organizations, or simply engaging with residents, policing works best when built on relationships. You will see me out in the community, at events, and in neighborhoods, because being visible and approachable matters.”

— Jeffrey Wig, New Police Chief, Waterman Police Department

What’s next

Wig is expected to officially begin his duties as Waterman's new police chief in the coming weeks, taking over leadership of the department from the previous chief.

The takeaway

The hiring of Jeffrey Wig, a veteran law enforcement officer with deep roots in the region, signals Waterman's commitment to community-oriented policing that prioritizes trust, approachability, and engagement with residents. His background and stated priorities suggest he may be well-suited to lead the growing village's police force.