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Knop formally introduced as Chester police commissioner

Posted August 08, 2014 11:00 pm

CHESTER -- With a few congratulatory words, Gary Knop was officially introduced as the new Chester police commissioner on Wednesday during a meeting of the city's Police and Fire Board at Chester City Hall.

The 60-year-old Knop joins a board that includes Fire Commissioner Jim Holder and Secretary Ron Rathert. All were elected to one-year terms during the session, with Holder saying it will be his final year as fire commissioner.

Holder and Rathert discussed general expectations with Knop, including the process of stated meetings.

"I've lived in Chester all my life," Knop said. "I've been on several boards and with this, from what I've been able to gather, I think it's something that I'll enjoy and make the mayor proud to have made my selection."

Knop was recommended for the position by Chester Mayor Tom Page, who highlighted Knop's 28-year career with the Illinois Department of Corrections.

"I've known Gary for years and years," Page said. "Gary used to work for me when I was warden at (Menard Correctional Center)."

"Gary ended up being an assistant warden at Menard and Pinckneyville. He is a true professional and I'm really happy with this appointment."

Chester Police Chief Ryan Coffey also weighed in on Knop's appointment.

"I know him through our church and he's a member of St. John Lutheran," Coffey said. "I've always known him as a good guy and he's got some supervisory experience through the Department of Corrections.

"I think he can bring a lot to the table in regards to that position."

Knop began his career in the IDOC in December 1974 as a correctional officer at Menard. He was promoted to correctional sergeant at the prison in 1980 and later became a correction lieutenant.

In December of 1997, he was named chief of security at Menard, becoming assistant warden of operations in July 1999.

Knop was named warden at Pinckneyville on January 1, 2002, replacing Guy D. Pierce.

"Throughout different situations with the prison, I would work with both state and local law enforcement on escape-type situations," Knop said. "My career with the state was 28 years and most of that was in a supervisory capacity."

As police commissioner, Knop will oversee the hiring of police officers in the city, which includes interviews and both written and physical testing.

"The (Chester) City Council doesn't hire police officers," Page said. "The police commissioner does that."

Now retired from the state for 12 years, Knop has been preparing for his next challenge.

"The mayor called me and asked if I was interested in the position," Knop said. "Someone turned in their resignation and (Page) ran down what the responsibilities were and I had a background with that sort of thing."

Knop also praised the work of Coffey, whose department has been active with several recent drug-related arrests.

Eight people have been arrested in the past two weeks on various drug charges, with arrest warrants out for two others.

"I believe Chief Coffey has gotten a good handle on the situation and from my experience, (the officers) seem to handle themselves professionally," Knop said. "Those who I know personally are good, responsible people."

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