Kane County Reporter

City Administrator Heather McGuire is set to recommend Daniel J. Likens as the new Chief of Police for the City of St. Charles at the upcoming City Council Meeting on September 2, 2025. Upon approval by Mayor Clint Hull and the full City Council, Likens will officially take on his new role starting September 15, 2025.

Likens brings over three decades of law enforcement experience to St. Charles, having previously served with the Illinois State Police where he reached the rank of Lt. Colonel/Assistant Deputy Director of the Division of Criminal Investigation. In this capacity, he oversaw statewide Investigative Command across 102 counties and managed a team of 585 law enforcement personnel.

His experience includes participation in the Planning Committee for the 2024 Democratic National Convention, where he led operations involving countersurveillance, intelligence, investigations, crowd control, and dignitary protection. Additionally, Likens was Project Lead for a $42 million Automated License Plate Reader Project that saw more than 500 license plate readers installed throughout Illinois.

Likens holds a degree from Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety in Evanston, Ill., along with a Bachelor of Arts in Management from Benedictine University in Lisle, Ill., and an Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice from the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Ill.

“We conducted a thorough national search for our next police chief to find the candidate who embodies the priorities of the Police Department and the values of our community,” said Mayor Clint Hull. “St. Charles has been fortunate to have a strong tradition of outstanding police leadership, and I’m confident Daniel Likens will carry on that legacy. St. Charles is in good hands."

Deputy Chief Eric Majewski has been serving as Acting Chief during this transition period. “I want to acknowledge the efforts of Deputy Chief Majewski and the entire Police Department for seamlessly maintaining daily operations throughout this process,” said City Administrator Heather McGuire.

“Dan’s extensive background managing law enforcement personnel and operations makes him exceptionally well-suited for the Chief of Police role,” added McGuire. “His commitment to public safety and professional standards will ensure our Police Department continues to provide quality policing services to the residents and businesses of St. Charles, and uphold the high standards our community expects.”