Elmhurst Police Chief Michael Ruth died Monday in a hospital while recovering from a medical procedure, according to a news release from the city of Elmhurst.
Ruth, who served in law enforcement for 44 years, led the Elmhurst police for 10 years.
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He joined the department in October 2012, coming to Elmhurst from Countryside, where he was chief from 2010 to 2012.
Before that, he spent 29 years with the Skokie Police Department, beginning there as a uniformed patrol officer and moving up to police commander.
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In his 10 years leading the Elmhurst department, he built strong community support, implemented new crime prevention technologies, and helped achieve Tier 1 state accreditation for the department.
In an email he sent when he was hired, Ruth called the Elmhurst Police Department “an outstanding agency with a long and rich tradition of community service,” and added, “I look forward to serving the residents of Elmhurst and serving with the outstanding men and women of the Elmhurst Police Department.”
“Above all, Chief Ruth believed in the nobility of the Elmhurst Police Department’s work and the professionalism of its members,” Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin said in the city statement. “Our city has suffered a tremendous loss; however I am comforted in knowing that the Chief was a mentor to many, and that his commitment to the highest level of public safety standards for our community will live on.”
Elmhurst Fire Chief Bill Anaszewicz was a beneficiary of Ruth’s mentoring.
“Chief Ruth was a mentor who inspired, offered guidance and support throughout my career,” Anaszewicz said in an email to Pioneer Press. “He led the Police Department with vision, competence and compassion; he fostered a strong relationship between the Police and Fire Departments. I appreciate our friendship on both a personal and professional level and will miss him.”
Ruth also contributed to the profession of law enforcement as an adjunct professor, teaching criminal justice students at the University of Illinois-Chicago and Governors State University, according to city sources. He was a graduate of the 207th Session of the FBI National Academy and past president of the West Suburban Chiefs of Police Association.
City sources described Ruth as a strong leader, a trusted director, and a highly respected member of the City’s team. He will be remembered for his fearless guidance, outstanding commitment to his work, and tireless support in providing Elmhurst with high quality public safety services.
“I am forever grateful to have worked alongside him,” Elmhurst City Manager Jim Grabowski said in the statement. “He was an asset to our organization and his loss will not be easy to overcome.”
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Services are expected to be private.
Deputy Chief Michael McLean, who has been serving as acting chief, will continue as interim police chief.
Graydon Megan is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
