Mokena's new police chief brings years of experience from neighboring Orland Park

New HQ

There is a huge grassy patch near 191st Street and 104th Avenue, which in the coming years will hold a new Mokena police headquarters building.

Police Chief John Keating can’t wait.

He said the current building on 10907 Front St. is small and when more officers are hired in 2022 to bring the force to 35, it will be too small.

Attempts to build a new station in 2011 failed but 10 years later, the approvals have been made and renderings for the new place will be revealed in upcoming village board meetings. Keating said tours of newer police facilities in Glen Ellyn, New Lenox, Countryside and St. Charles have provided ideas for the new station in Mokena.

“We have challenging working conditions in small building, and I am happy he can move forward,” he said. "It’s a fun process and an exciting time. A work environment affects officers’ morale, and they want a building they can be proud of. I think residents want a building they can be proud of as well.”