FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CARBONDALE -
Carbondale Police Chief and City Manager Stan Reno is pleased to announce that Deputy Chief Anthony Williams has been appointed as Acting Chief of Police, effective January 31, 2025. This appointment comes as Chief Reno transitions into his permanent role as City Manager. A nationwide search will commence soon to identify a permanent replacement for the position.  Chief Reno will continue to serve as Chief of Police during this time. Deputy Chief Williams will assume increased day-to-day responsibilities of the office of the Chief of Police.

Deputy Chief Williams brings a wealth of experience and leadership to this role. He was hired as a police officer in Carbondale in 2001 and attended the Illinois State Police Academy. Over the years, he has served in numerous capacities within the department, demonstrating exceptional dedication and expertise.

Deputy Chief Williams’ career highlights include:

• Assigned to various patrol shifts until 2007 when he joined the newly formed Street Crimes Unit.
• Transitioned to a general detective role in 2009 due to a staffing shortage.
• Promoted to Sergeant in 2010 and later led the newly re-established Street Crimes Unit.
• Expanded the unit in 2013 to focus on drug enforcement before returning to supervise patrol shifts in 2018.
• Promoted to Lieutenant in 2021 and assigned as the Support Services Commander, overseeing training, recruiting, mental health and crime victim advocacy, accreditation management, and policy development.
• Promoted to Deputy Chief of Administration in 2022, where he managed several federal grants, the Body Worn Camera program implementation, a new records management system implementation, and other internal technical efficiency improvements.

Deputy Chief Williams holds a Bachelor’s degree in University Studies with minors in Criminal Justice and History from SIU Carbondale. His exemplary service has earned him multiple accolades, including being named Officer of the Year twice by the Carbondale Police Department and Officer of the Year by the Illinois American Legion in 2011.

"Deputy Chief Williams is an outstanding leader who has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Carbondale community throughout his career," said Chief Reno. "I have full confidence that he will continue to guide the department with integrity and professionalism as we work through the process of a transition in leadership."

“Carbondale prides itself on providing its visitors, students, businesses and residents with a unique mix of edge and ease. It’s a cultural town, yet free of pretense, embracing the great outdoors as readily as urban sophistication. Here, we are open to new ideas, experiences and cultures, so you are encouraged to both express yourself and be yourself, in all ways. That’s Carbondale…All Ways Open…for family, fun, business, new ideas and a bright tomorrow.”
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