City of Batavia Names Eric Blowers New Chief of Police

City Honors Retiring Chief Shawn Mazza after 26 years of service with BPD

Army Veteran Gary La Barbera Promoted to New Deputy Chief of Operations

BATAVIA, Ill. (Jan. 3, 2025) – City of Batavia Mayor Jeffery Schielke has appointed Deputy Chief of Operations Eric Blowers as the next Batavia Chief of Police. Schielke will administer the oath of office to Blowers at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 6, during the Batavia City Council meeting.

Blowers’ appointment takes effect on January 14 following the retirement of Chief of Police Shawn Mazza. Mazza’s 26 years of service to the community will also be honored at Monday’s meeting.

Blowers is a 17-year veteran of the Batavia Police Department and has served in various roles throughout his tenure, most recently as Deputy Chief of Operations. Blowers began his career as a patrol officer in 2007, advancing to positions including detective, patrol sergeant, watch commander, and detective watch commander.

“I am proud to have worked with Eric in a number of roles during my time as City Administrator and have the utmost belief that he will continue the excellent work of the Batavia Police Department for years to come,” said Laura Newman, City Administrator. “Eric has worked his way through the ranks of the department and has an incredible and unwavering commitment to public safety. As a Batavian myself, I could not be more optimistic about Eric’s leadership and the future of the department.”

“A true leader inspires others to follow not through authority, but by example,” said outgoing Chief of Police Shawn Mazza. “I am confident that our department is in great hands with Eric’s dedication, integrity, and vision. As I step aside, I trust he will continue to build on our foundation and lead with courage and heart. The future is bright under Eric’s watch.”

Blowers has spent his entire law enforcement career with the Batavia Police Department. He said he takes pride in serving a city with a rich history and a strong sense of community.

“I am privileged to work alongside the many dedicated men and women of the Batavia Police Department who serve our citizens with pride and integrity,” said Blowers. “Their commitment to public safety and passion for helping others make the Batavia Police Department the outstanding organization it is.”

Blowers will lead a department comprising 43 full-time sworn officers and 12 civilian employees. Among his short- and long-term goals are enhancing the department’s training programs and pursuing police accreditation through the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ILEAP).

“I also want to continue the comprehensive facility assessment to ensure the Batavia Police Department is housed in a modern police facility and equipped with state-of-the-art technology to improve and enhance our level of service to the community,” said Blowers.
Blowers expressed gratitude to outgoing Chief Mazza, who is retiring after 25 years with the Batavia Police Department, including his tenure as Chief since September 2022.

“Chief Mazza has made an immeasurable impact on the Batavia Police Department and played an integral role in strengthening the relationship between the department and the community. His unwavering leadership and commitment to the community will surely be missed,” Blowers said.

Blowers holds a Bachelor of Science degree in law enforcement and justice administration from Western Illinois University. He and his wife, Diane, live in Geneva with their two children, Benjamin and Jenna.

Detective Sergeant Gary La Barbera will step into the Deputy Chief of Operations role vacated by Blowers’ promotion. La Barbera has been with the Batavia Police Department since 2005 and is a U.S. Army veteran who served in Uzbekistan and Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001.

“Sergeant La Barbera’s commitment to the Batavia Police Department and his high standards of service and dedication to the citizens of Batavia make him the perfect fit for the position of deputy chief,” Blowers said.


Batavia is located 35 miles west of Chicago along the banks of the Fox River. The city 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 more than 26,000 residents.