Orland Park police chief, who once took bullet for Ronald Reagan, announces retirement

As a member of the Secret Service, Timothy McCarthy was among three people shot in 1981 during an assassination attempt of President Ronald Reagan.

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Orland Park Police Chief Timothy McCarthy

Orland Park Police Chief Timothy McCarthy

Provided by Village of Orland Park

The police chief of Orland Park, who once served in the Secret Service and was shot protecting President Ronald Reagan, announced his retirement after holding his post for 26 years in the south suburb.

Chief Timothy McCarthy will retire Aug. 1 to allow time to find a replacement, the village said Wednesday in a news release.

As a member of the Secret Service, McCarthy was among three people shot in 1981 during an assassination attempt of Reagan.

“While he will be sorely missed by everyone, I know he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife of 47 years, three children, and seven grandchildren while seeking new opportunities to continue to serve his community and his country,” Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau said in the release.

In 2016, McCarthy was the first person awarded the Chief of Police of the Year Award from the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.

McCarthy retired from the Secret Service in October 1993 as the Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office.

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