Former Whiteside deputy Mike Lewis is Tampico’s new police chief

TAMPICO – Mike Lewis is the new village chief of police.

Lewis was a Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department deputy for 17 years, working in detention services, patrol, special enforcement, investigations and civil service. Before that, was an officer in Tampico and Lanark. In March 2018, he lost the GOP nomination for Whiteside County sheriff to fellow deputy Kris Schmidt by fewer than 350 votes – 2,309 to 1,769. Schmidt lost to now-Sheriff John Booker.

“Mike’s comprehensive knowledge of law enforcement, his tireless work ethic and knowledge of our community make him the perfect choice to succeed the former chief,” Mayor Kristine Hill said in a statement Tuesday.

“A deputy sheriff and officer in cities throughout Whiteside County, he has built a strong reputation for values we believe in: accountability, efficiency, responsiveness and innovation.”

Lewis succeeds Mike Boucher.

Tampico has a population of about 800.