Galesburg Police Chief Russ Idle has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the review of a personnel matter, according to city administration.
City Manager Eric Hanson confirmed the move to WGIL on Friday, stating, “All I can confirm at this time is that the police chief is on paid administrative leave.”
Idle was placed on paid leave Thursday, according to Hanson. Hanson said he has appointed Deputy Chief Kevin Legate to serve as acting chief “pending the review of the personnel matter.”
Hanson said there will be no more further comment on the move pending the review.
Idle was appointed Galesburg Police Chief on September 9, 2019. He began his career in law enforcement with the Galesburg Police Department and has worked for GPD for 30 years. He has served as a patrol officer, sergeant, lieutenant, and was promoted to captain in February 2018.
Legate was appointed Galesburg’s deputy chief in July 2023.
