MADD Illinois Appoints Riverside Police Chief to Serve as Chairperson of State Advisory Board

Submitted by the Riverside Police Department.

Sam Canzoneri, Illinois Sate Executive Director of Mother Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Illinois today announced his appointment of Riverside Police Chief Thomas Q. Weitzel to serve as the first ever Chairperson of the newly created Illinois State Advisory Committee for MADD, Illinois.

“Chief Weitzel has served the Village of Riverside with distinction,” said Director Canzoneri. “His three decades of law enforcement experience will make him a great asset and resource for the Advisory Board Committee. Additionally, Chief Weitzel is extremely knowledgeable in the legislative process in Springfield and his understanding of that process will help MADD Illinois fight for new legislation, increase victim services and highlight MADD Illinois role in reducing drunk and drugged driving.”

“I am honored by this appointment by Director Canzoneri,” said Chief Weitzel. “The Advisory Board Committee will be involved in very important work related to drunk and drugged driving in Illinois and I am looking forward to being a part of this esteemed group of professionals and volunteers from throughout the state.”

The Advisory Board Committee was established to eliminate drunk and drugged driving, provide services to victims of the violent crime of D.U.I. and to prevent underage drinking.

Chief Weitzel was appointed Chief of the Riverside Police Department in January of 2008. He has served with the Riverside Police Department since 1984. Chief Weitzel began his career as a patrol officer and was promoted to Sergeant in 1997, Detective Sergeant in 1998, Lieutenant in 2003 and Deputy Chief in 2004. He has worked in all aspects of the department. Chief Weitzel holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Social Justice from Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois.

Chief Weitzel is married to his wife Meg of 30 years and has three sons. He oldest son, Alex, is a police officer for the Village of North Riverside, his middle son, Matthew, is a police officer for the City of Lockport and his youngest son, Peter, is a senior in the Criminal Justice Program at Governors State University.

Chief Weitzel’s wife, Meg, works for the Chicago Archdiocese and is currently working at St. Michael’s Parish in Orland Park as the Assistant Business Manager.