A new police chief will lead the New Lenox Police Department following the retirement of former Police Chief Bob Sterba.

Former Deputy Police Chief April DiSandro was sworn in by Mayor Tim Baldermann as the new police chief on Friday at New Lenox Village Hall. Baldermann said DiSandro has held every position in the department and has been a deputy police chief since January 2009.

DiSandro also grew up in New Lenox and her family is from the village.

“She’s born and raised here and has just done an outstanding job for us,” Baldermann said.

DiSandro said she's been with New Lenox police since 1990 and she started out as a patrol officer before working her way up through the department.

"I am just thrilled to have come to this point in my career," she said.

Hilary Davis was promoted from commander to deputy chief.

“I’m humbled and so grateful for this opportunity,” Davis said.

After DiSandro was sworn in, she thanked Sterba for his mentorship and leadership.

“I don’t know how I would have done it without him. I’m going to miss him and I just hope I can do a fraction of the job that he’s done,” she said.

Sterba will retire Saturday after serving as the New Lenox police chief for 12 years. Sterba was previously the chief of the Palos Heights Police Department, spending 31 years there before coming to New Lenox in 2008, according to the New Lenox police.

DiSandro also thanked the New Lenox Department staff.

“We have some fantastic people and I am so looking forward to being their leader," she said. "I’m grateful for that opportunity.”