Police Chief

Chief's Message

I have been the Chief of Police for the Village of Maryville since May 22, 2003 . Previously, I was with the Granite City ( Illinois ) Police Department for over twenty-five years and retired as a Captain. I was fortunate to have many work experiences with the Granite City Police Department.

During my career, I spent sixteen years as a member of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis from 1986 until my retirement in June of 2002. I held the rank of Deputy Commander and received the Colonel Robert G. Lowery, Sr. Award of Excellence on March 22, 2002 “for many years of outstanding and dedicated service” and “the reputation as one of the area’s most respected police commanders”. Early in my career, I was also assigned to work drug enforcement with the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois for over five years reaching the rank of Deputy Director.

I have brought these experiences along with my formal education of a Master’s Degree in Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in the Administrative of Justice to further the progression of the Maryville Police Department. In 2006, I became a Certified Chief of Police through the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police by meeting the required experience and education while successfully completing a written and oral examination.

Mayor Larry Gulledge and the Board of Trustees have been very supportive in providing the funds to update our department with technology and equipment. The squad cars are equipped with cameras, computers, and radar units. Our officers have a Taser, shotgun and rifle at their disposal to meet different levels-of-force incidents. The officers continually receive training to improve their skills and knowledge.

Since 1990, our department has continued to host an Annual Children’s Halloween Party and will continue this tradition in the years to come with the support of donations from local businesses. In 2007 a new program “Catch a Kid” was started. The program permits officers to distribute Whiffle balls and bats to children in the community. The officers also take time to play catch and build a healthy rapport with the children and their families.

The department strives to keep Maryville safe through diligent patrol of neighborhoods and stern enforcement of traffic violations. Our community consistently has one of the lowest crime rates in Madison County . The officers are always willing to help fulfill the needs of our community, visitors, businesses, and citizens.

Thanks for visiting our web page.

Chief Rich Schardan

Chief Rich Schardan

chief.schardan@maryville-il.us