Law enforcement veteran, Sheldon-product Chris Kidwell to lead Kankakee Police Dept.   

A 31-year-year veteran of the Kankakee City Police Department is the new police chief in the city.  Chris Kidwell was officially seated Tuesday with the blessing of the Citry Council.  Mayor Chris Curtis had announced Kidwell's appointment earlier following the announced retirement of Chief Robin Passwater.  Passwater's last day on the job was June 16.

The mayor also announced the appointment of  23-year veteran Donnell Austin as the new Deputy-Chief.  Austin had been serving as the department's commander of investigations.

Kidwell grew up in Sheldon, graduated from Sheldon High School.  He was hired by Kankakee Police in 1992.  He's held the rank of Lieutenant since 2000.  KIwdell also served KAMEG for 15 years. 

Kidwell served in the U.S. Marines from 1985 -89.  He was with the High Point, North Carolina Police department before being hired by Kankakee. 

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