Peoria Standard

After a 26-year tenure within the Peoria Police Dept., Chief Loren of Marion III, will be retiring from his position next month.  

Marion has come from a family line of policemen, with his grandfather serving as the Bellevue Police Chief, and his father serving in the Peoria Police Dept. As a Patrol Officer for 30 years until retiring in 2009. 

Marion began his career with the department in 1994, and held positions within the Patrol, the Community Area Target Team, the Street Crimes Unit, the Vice and Narcotics Unit, and the Target Offender Unit. I

Peoria Police Dept., Chief Loren of Marion III | File Photo

n 2018, he was promoted by City Manager Patrick Ulrich to Police Chief, and has received various commendations and accolades, including the American Legion Meritorious Service Award, and “Officer of the Year” in 2008. 

Under Marion’s leadership, the Peoria Police Dept. Received accreditation from the Commission Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), completed a body camera project, as well as building up Officer Wellness and Community Policing programs.  

In response to the news of Marion's retirement, Ulrich said “I’d like to thank Police Chief Marion for his leadership of the Peoria Police Department and wish him well as he moves into the next chapter of his life. He will be sorely missed.” 

The department will be conducting a nationwide search to fill the position vacancy, and Assistant Chief Doug Theobald will serve as Interim Chief until a replacement is found. 

"The Police Chief is a critical position for the City, and we look forward to seeking the best candidate to fill this role," Ulrich said. 

Marion spoke with optimism about the future of the Peoria Police Dept., and lauded the force’s successes.

“I feel the Department is moving in the right direction. We are ahead of many agencies throughout the country in our policies/procedures, technology and training," Marion said.