La Grange Park police chief first to complete Ohio certification program

LA GRANGE PARK — Dan McCollum started his career as a police chief at the young age of 24.

Back then, he was police chief at Villa Grove in Douglas County. But for the last 17 years, the now 59-year-old St. Charles resident has served La Grange Park.

"It was advertised in a national publication," McCollum said. "And I knew the community well. I used to be involved in competitive pistol-shooting competitions there. So I jumped at the chance."

His experience in La Grange Park has been overwhelmingly positive, he said. And he hopes his legacy reflects that.

"We are a compassionate department that makes good decisions," McCollum said.

Although many things have changed, especially technology, in his years of service, McCollum said his work has remained consistent in La Grange Park, which is a good thing for the community.

"Actually, not much has changed at all," McCollum said. "We have one of the lower crime rates in the western suburbs."

While McCollum said he only has three years left in La Grange Park, he isn't going quietly. He actively pursues continuing education because he said he doesn't want "to see grass grow under his feet."

McCollum recently completed the Certified Law Enforcement Executive Program conducted by the State of Ohio Law Enforcement Foundation and the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police.

"We have to develop future leaders by having them ready," McCollum said. "It's more than reading books, taking tests and impressing an oral board. The way to hone administrative skills is by demonstrating one's talents in realistic scenarios or projects, using experienced evaluators and practitioners from various government agencies. This allows feedback for professional growth."

The program, created in 1996, was conducted in Worthington, Ohio. Since its inception, 250 law enforcement command personnel have completed the program.

McCollum was the first student ever to attend from out of state.

"I was seeking a credentialing program offering a sound academic structure and was impressed by the faculty and the curriculum," McCollum said. "While there are various certification programs offered throughout the United States, CLEE was the most appealing because of the rigid academic requirements."

The program included instruction in ethics, strategic planning, interpersonal skills, police resource allocation and budgeting as well as multiple other areas.

He recently returned to Ohio to deliver his capstone presentation on investigation and review of the use of force.

"It's a very topical subject nowadays," McCollum said. "Police departments are documenting more and more when force is used."

McCollum absorbed the costs for tuition and lodging, which amounted to about $3,000. The village allowed his attendance and the eight trips to Ohio, for which he said he was grateful.

"I hope to use this experience to make our fine police department even better," he said.