Winnetka Fire, Police Promote 3 Officers

Exciting news came to several members of the Winnetka and departments when they were recently promoted to senior administrative positions. 

Earlier:

Joseph Pellus, formerly police commander, took the position of deputy of police chief on Aug. 17. After graduating from Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, Pellus began working with the force in 1986 and has been a police commander for the past five years. He has also worked as a detective in the investigation unit and as police liaison at the high schools in New Trier District 203.

On Sept. 1, Marc Hornstein was also promoted, from sergeant to police commander. Another graduate of the Northwestern program, Hornstein has been with the force since 1993. During his tenure with the force, Hornstein has worked closely with residents, schools and businesses to improve safety throughout the community.

Capt. John Ripka was promoted to deputy fire chief on Sept. 6. Ripka joined the Winnetka Fire Department in 2000 and is a certified in several areas, including as a HazMat technician and paramedic.

“Deputy Chief Ripka has worked at all levels and in all positions in the fire department and, more importantly, has a very keen understanding of the community we serve and mission of the fire department,” Fire Chief Alan Berkowsky said in a press release Wednesday.

Have something to add to the conversation? Join us on Facebook!