Retired Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel Named Fellow of Law Enforcement at Awake Illinois

Awake IL Press Release WEITZEL Fellow.pdf

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Awake Illinois today announced the appointment of Chief Thomas Weitzel (Ret.), former Chief of Police for the Village of Riverside, Illinois, as Fellow of Law Enforcement.

With 37 years of law enforcement experience—including 13 years as Chief—Tom Weitzel brings deep expertise in constitutional policing, leadership, officer safety, and evidence-based reform. A respected national voice and survivor of a line-of-duty ambush, he will strengthen Awake Illinois’ work on public safety and accountability.

As Fellow, Chief Weitzel will:

• Serve as a regular commentator on the new Awake and Armed video podcast, offering practical, real-world insight on crime, the SAFE-T Act, self defense, and community safety.

• Author exclusive op-eds on crime and law enforcement policy for the Awake Illinois blog.

Chief Weitzel served the Village of Riverside with distinction, ultimately leading the department as Chief of Police. Known for principled leadership, operational discipline, and a commitment to constitutional policing, he has been a consistent voice for professionalism, transparency, and evidence-based reform.

Following his retirement, Weitzel has remained an influential commentator and analyst on policing and public safety, writing and speaking nationally on issues ranging from officer training and leadership standards to the unintended consequences of poorly designed criminal-justice policies. His substack The ‘Memo’ offers the public his fair, fact-based view of law enforcement. Follow him on X @ChiefWeitzel.

“Chief Tom Weitzel is a proven leader who has lived the realities of policing every day,” said Shannon Adcock, Founder of Awake Illinois, on behalf of the Board of Directors. “In a time when too much discussion is driven by ideology instead of facts, Tom’s credibility, experience, and courage make him the perfect addition. We are thrilled to have him as a Fellow, regular voice on Awake and Armed, and contributor to our blog—helping deliver the truth Illinoisans need for safer communities and stronger policing.”

Chief Weitzel said: “I’m honored to join Awake Illinois at this critical moment. Awake Illinois has built an enormous reach across Illinois and far beyond—connecting thousands of concerned citizens, parents, credentialed professionals, and policymakers who are hungry for honest, fact-based conversations about crime and public safety. My goal as Fellow is to ensure these vital discussions remain grounded in real-world experience, constitutional principles, and actual outcomes so citizens everywhere are safer, officers are better supported, and policies finally deliver the results communities deserve.”

Tom Weizel's appointment as a Fellow reflects Awake Illinois’ commitment to elevating informed voices with firsthand experience—not ideology—to shape public understanding and policy outcomes. Awake Illinois will be welcoming additional experts to our Fellowship program in 2026. Onward!