By WMBD TV
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — After a bit less than five years, Peoria’s top cop is headed for warmer climates as Police Chief Eric Echevarria has announced he will be retiring.
“Although I was not from Peoria, you welcomed me as one of your own. You showed me grace, trust, and support, and that is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” the chief said in an email titled “A Love Letter to the Peoria Community.”
The decision to retire, he said, came after “thoughtful reflection.”
“As I look ahead, my son is entering high school, and this is an important time for my family,” Echevarria said. “I want to be present for that chapter in his life, and I also recognize that this is the right time, both personally and professionally, to transition leadership.”
Taking over for Echevarria, as Chief of the Peoria Police Department, will be Assistant Chief Brad Dixon. He will assume the role after Echevarria retires on May 15, City Manager Patrick Urich said.
Dixon will take over the following day.
“[Echevarria] helped to fill positions in the organization that we needed filled and were seeing some significant results in the reduction of gun crimes,” Urich said. “So on all of those fronts, Chief Echevarria has been a fantastic chief.”
Urich said while the chief will be missed, he is excited that Dixon will be taking the reins of the department.
“Brad Dixon has demonstrated a deep commitment to public safety and to the Peoria community throughout his career,” the city manager said. “His experience, leadership and understanding of this department make him well-suited to guide the Peoria Police Department forward.”
A Richwoods High School grad, Dixon has a bachelor’s degree in political science and a Master of Business Administration from Western Illinois University. He joined the force in 2001 where he’s rose through the ranks, becoming assistant police chief in 2021 when Echevarria took over.
Dixon has been with many specialized units within the department including the Target Offender Unit, the detective division, the violent crimes task force and was assigned to work with the U.S. Drug, Enforcement Agency
In a statement released by City Hall, Dixon said that “being born and raised in Peoria, it’s an incredible honor to serve as your Chief of Police. I want to express my sincere appreciation to Chief Echevarria for his leadership and dedication to the department and the city.”
He thanked the 258 employees of the department and said he looked forward to building relationships with the community. He ended, saying he was “truly humbled.”
Echevarria, a former Marine and Elgin police commander, was brought to Peoria with the hopes that he would transform the department and also make an immediate impact on the crime rate, which had risen following the COVID-19 pandemic due to an increase in street crime.
“Over the past several years, we have walked through challenges together, stood strong in difficult moments, and celebrated meaningful progress,” the chief said. “I have had the privilege of leading a department filled with dedicated professionals who care deeply about this city.
“Together, with your support, we have made strides to strengthen public safety, build trust, and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” Echevarria said.
Immediately, Echevarria set himself apart, saying he’d be in the community and rebuild broken bridges between residents and officers. He said he wanted to update the technology officers use and be more transparent.
“Over the years, we have seen that the use of technology is helping with our ability to solve crimes, and that is a really important factor for us,” Urich said.
He promoted the use of a call-in tip line for people to report crimes anonymously. He pressed for license plate reader cameras to be installed around the city, which helped officers track cars — and people — accused in various incidents.
And Echevarria was seen at the scene of many serious incidents, wearing his tactical vest and uniform.
The result? The crime rate did drop. Homicides went from 34 in 2021 to 24 in 2022. The number of shooting victims has declined. The number of homicides is also down from the first year he arrived, according to the latest report from the Peoria Police Department.
Echevarria said he will be gradually stepping back from his duties as chief in the next month.
As the city prepares for its next Chief of Police, I ask for your continued support. Leadership transitions are never easy, but they are necessary,” he said. “I respectfully ask that you extend to the next Chief the same grace, respect, and openness that you so generously extended to me. That support matters more than you may realize.”
WMBD TV first reported on this story. The original story can be found online at CIProud.com.
