Lake in the Hills Police Chief Mary Frake, who was the department’s first female chief, retired on Thursday after serving 30 years in law enforcement.
“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,” the Lake in the Hills Police Department said in a statement.
Frake was the only female officer in her new hire class at the Illinois State Police Academy in 1994.
She 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, police officials said.
“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,” the department said.
Frake achieved a milestone in 2003 by becoming the first female deputy chief and reached another milestone in 2021 when she was promoted to chief, becoming the first female police chief in Lake in the Hills and the second-ever female police chief in McHenry County.
“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 said.
Schmitt called Frake’s achievements “remarkable” and said they have set a high standard for leadership in the police department and in the community.
The department said Frake spearheaded initiatives aimed at modernizing the department and embraced new methodologies to enhance crime prevention and community policing efforts.
Officials said Frake was instrumental in programs such as National Night Out, Trick or Treat at Safety Town, Women’s Safety Series and Teen Safety Series.
“Chief Frake is known for her humility, resilience, and unwavering ethical standards. Her career is a beacon of what can be achieved through dedication, empathy, and a commitment to the greater good. Her retirement marks the end of an era, but her legacy will continue to inspire and guide the future of policing in the community,” the police department said.