Demoted Joliet Deputy Police Chief Takes Over Elwood Police Department

Marc Reid, who was demoted from deputy chief in Joliet, will become the new police chief in Elwood, Illinois.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After retiring from the Joliet Police Department in 2021, Marc Reid started working as a sergeant for the Elwood Police Department under Chief Fred Hayes, who previously served as police chief in Joliet. Now, the Elwood village board will vote to appoint Reid as the permanent police chief, replacing Hayes who was recently promoted to village administrator.

Why it matters

This story highlights the interconnected nature of law enforcement leadership in the region, with two high-ranking officers from Joliet's police force now taking over the top roles in the smaller neighboring town of Elwood. It raises questions about the reasons behind Reid's demotion in Joliet and whether his new position in Elwood is a lateral move or a promotion.

The details

After 26 years with the Joliet Police Department, Marc Reid was demoted from deputy police chief in early 2021, despite receiving an $18,000 raise. He then went on indefinite sick leave before retiring and taking a job as a sergeant under Elwood Police Chief Fred Hayes, who also previously worked in Joliet. Now, the Elwood village board will vote to appoint Reid as the permanent police chief, replacing Hayes who was recently promoted to village administrator.

  • In late 2018, Reid was promoted to deputy police chief in Joliet.
  • In January 2021, Joliet's new police chief demoted Reid and three other deputy chiefs.
  • Reid retired from Joliet police in April 2021, shortly after his 50th birthday.
  • Reid started working for the Elwood Police Department as a sergeant in June 2021.
  • The Elwood village board will vote on appointing Reid as the new police chief on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

The players

Marc Reid

A 26-year veteran of the Joliet Police Department who was demoted from deputy police chief in 2021 before retiring and taking a job as a sergeant with the Elwood Police Department, and is now poised to become the new police chief in Elwood.

Fred Hayes

The former police chief of Elwood who is now being promoted to the position of village administrator, paving the way for Reid to take over as the new police chief.

Al Roechner

The former police chief of Joliet who negotiated a $31,000 raise for himself in exchange for retiring, leading to the demotion of Reid and other deputy chiefs.

Dawn Malec

The current police chief of Joliet who announced the demotion of Reid and other deputy chiefs after taking over from the retiring Roechner.

Jim Capparelli

The Joliet city manager who approved the nearly $18,000 raise for Reid during his demotion.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're absolutely thrilled to be able to get Marc Reid, who's as qualified a person as you can get. He has a wealth of experience. I did reach out to Marc and other supervisors from the Joliet Police Department, and I did interview a few people. I'm thrilled to have Marc here.”

— Fred Hayes, Elwood Police Chief (Joliet Patch)

“It's a poaching game, right? You have conversations with people in other departments and people who are retired.”

— Fred Hayes, Elwood Police Chief (Joliet Patch)

What’s next

The Elwood village board will vote on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 to officially appoint Marc Reid as the new police chief, replacing the outgoing Fred Hayes who is being promoted to village administrator.

The takeaway

This story highlights the complex dynamics within law enforcement leadership, where high-ranking officers can move between departments and even take on new roles after being demoted or retiring. It raises questions about the reasons behind personnel changes and the potential for 'poaching' experienced officers from other agencies.