Batavia Police Chief Announces Retirement

BATAVIA, IL. (JUNE 18, 2024) – Batavia Police Chief Shawn Mazza, who began his law enforcement career in Batavia as a patrol officer in January 1999 and worked his way up to Police Chief in 2022, has announced his retirement effective January 14, 2025. 

Mazza oversees a police department with 43 full-time sworn officers and 12 civilian employees. During his tenure, he helped spearhead several community-focused initiatives, including Coffee with a Cop, Cones with Cops, the expansion of the bicycling patrol officer program, and crime prevention presentations. Recently, the department added a Community Oriented Police Officer who will also be the handler for a new comfort dog. 

Under Mazza’s direction, the department adopted the Ten Shared Principles. The Ten Shared Principles, developed as a collaboration between the NAACP Illinois State Conference and the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police serve as foundational pillars for how the department is expected to treat all people. Mazza considers this one of the department’s top priorities.  

“The Ten Shared Principles memorialize what I believe are ten fundamental values our department is continuously striving to achieve, with a more intentional approach,” Mazza said.  

These principles are also integrated into the department’s hiring and training process, which Mazza counts as another significant accomplishment for the department during his tenure as police chief. 

“Ongoing training is critical. We are in an age of trust and transparency, and I believe that our officers' actions help build that trust and transparency,” he added. “We hire people with high values, morals and character. We have developed a culture of taking responsibility for our actions and being thoughtful about how we treat all people. Our staff comprises good people with servant hearts who want to make the world a better place.” 

In addition to increasing the number of sworn officers, Mazza expanded the partnership with the Association for Individual Development to add a full-time social worker to the department. This allows officers to work side-by-side with social workers, providing greater assistance to residents in times of crisis.  

The Batavia Police Department handled over 30,000 calls since Mazza became chief. As call volumes increased, Mazza recognized the need for officer wellness. To that end, he initiated several measures, including involving the department in charitable organizations such as Chip in Batavia and Special Olympics, which he considers a favorite part of his job. 

“Being involved in charitable events helps with officer wellness. I see the positive impact on the officers who choose to participate. The world is full of caring people,” he said. “Even in the most difficult moments, you can choose to see the light that shines through the darkness.” 

Over the course of his 25 years with the department, Mazza has earned several recognitions and awards, including the Jason Kloese Memorial Brotherhood Award, Life Saving Award, Loyalty, Service, and Commitment to the Department & Community Award, Physical Fitness Award, and Police Officer of the Year. Additionally, he has received over 30 letters of commendation, recognition, and appreciation. Mazza’s professional achievements also include serving as president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #224, being a member of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and completing over 1,000 hours of law enforcement training through FEMA, FBI, and other public safety organizations. 

Mazza says he is most proud of building relationships, recognizing talent, and ensuring that staff have the tools and training they need to succeed. 

“There is a team-oriented aspect to law enforcement. You must trust the people around you. We’ve always done that in Batavia. There’s a family- and employee-centric aspect to our department that makes this a desirable place to work,” Mazza said. 

Relationships are also what he’s enjoyed most about working for the Batavia Police Department. He emphasized that the police department and City staff work together with the same mission and vision. He expressed gratitude to the city for allowing him to pursue his passion for mission work, having participated in humanitarian trips locally and overseas, including leading 10 teams to orphanages in Haiti between 2007-2012. 

“The graciousness of the city has been important in my life and internationally,” Mazza said. “Batavia supports its citizens and recognizes how the world is interconnected. We can and do make a difference. I’m so grateful for the privilege to work in law enforcement for the City of Batavia.” 

“The City of Batavia could not have asked for a person of higher character, integrity or ability than Chief Mazza,” said City Administrator Laura Newman. “Our city has been very fortunate during my tenure here to have three excellent Police Chiefs in Gary Schira and Dan Eul, and the tradition continued with Shawn Mazza. While he will be dearly missed, his contributions have left an indelible mark of excellence that will endure for years to come.” 

Batavia Mayor Jeffery D. Schielke praised Mazza for ensuring the police department practiced state-of-the-art patrol concepts utilizing the latest technology. He added that Mazza has always been a “hands-on chief.”  

“I am truly sorry to lose his leadership in Batavia but wish him all best for a well-earned and healthy retirement,” Shielke said. 

After retirement, Mazza plans to continue his humanitarian work and spend time with his family and four children, two of whom he and his wife Jessica adopted from Haiti. 

Batavia is located 35 miles west of Chicago along the banks of the Fox River. Settled in the 1830s, Batavia earned the nickname ‘The Windmill City’ when it was the windmill manufacturing capital of the world at the turn of the 20^th Century. Batavia is home to more than 1,200 businesses, including Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory, the U.S. Headquarters of Aldi Inc, and Suncast Corporation. Batavia’s historic charm, excellent school system, and unparalleled recreational and shopping amenities make it a great place to live, work and play for its over 26,000 residents.