First Female Police Chief In Lake In The Hills Retires

LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL — Lake in the Hills Police Departmen Chief Mary Frake has retired after 30 years with the police department.

"There are few individuals that have made such an ineffaceable mark in McHenry County law enforcement as Chief Mary Frake, whose retirement marks the culmination of an extraordinary thirty-year career," officials in Lake in the Hills said in a statement Friday.

As the sole female officer in her new hire class at the Illinois State Police academy in 1994 Frake stood out from the start of her career, officials said.

Frake spent several years on patrol and then in investigations as a detective where she advocated for victims of crime and worked to ensure their voices were heard and respected.

Frake’s tenacity, meticulous attention to detail, strong leadership abilities and commitment to the community extended well beyond the police department. Her years were marked by commendations and awards for her service, integrity, and exceptional police and investigative skills.

In 2003, Mary Frake achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first female deputy chief and again, in 2021 when she was promoted to chief, becoming the first female police chief in Lake in the Hills,. At the time, she was the second ever female police chief in McHenry County.

Frake’s appointment was not just a recognition of her personal achievements but also a reflection of her ability to inspire and lead a diverse team. Under her leadership, the police department saw a period of transformation and growth.

She prioritized staffing and wellness, recognizing that a well-supported force is essential to effective law enforcement, according to officials.

"In her time at the police department, Chief Frake has truly exemplified what it means to lead with integrity, vision, and unwavering commitment," said Officer Amanda Schmitt, the public information officer for the Lake in the Hills Police Department. "Under Chief Frake's guidance, our department has reached unprecedented milestones, such as breaking ground on a state-of-the-art police facility coming in 2025. Chief Frake fostered a culture of excellence and community engagement. She strengthened our operational capabilities but also has been a steadfast advocate for the wellbeing and safety of our community."

Schmitt continued to say Frake's remarkable achievements have set a high standard for leadership and have left an indelible mark on the police department and in the community in which the Lake in the Hills Police Department serves.

Frake's tenure is also outlined by her commitment to community-centric policing. She understood that trust and cooperation between the police and the community are foundational to public safety.

Frake spearheaded initiatives aimed at modernizing the department, embracing new technologies and methodologies to enhance crime prevention and community policing efforts.

Programs such as National Night Out, Trick or Treat at Safety Town, Women’s Safety Series, Teen Safety Series, and development of our social media platforms are just some of the steps taken in community engagement in which Frake assisted with.

"As Frake steps into retirement, her legacy is cemented in the profound impact she has had on the
community and the law enforcement profession. Her dedication to service, her relentless pursuit of justice, and her innovative spirit have been impactful on all who have had the privilege to work with her. Chief Frake is known for her humility, resilience, and unwavering ethical standards," according to the statement from Lake in the Hills officials. "Her career is a beacon of what
can be achieved through dedication, empathy, and a commitment to the greater good."