Northfield has its new police chief

A familiar face will lead the next era of the Northfield Police Department.

The Village of Northfield has appointed 24-year NPD veteran Michael Hutensky the new chief of police, according to a Village press release issued on Monday, Dec. 23.

Hutensky reportedly beat out 20 applicants for the position and has held the title of interim chief since May, when longtime chief Bill Lustig went on leave.

“I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as the next chief of police in the Village of Northfield,” Hutensky said in the press release. “I am looking forward  to continuing to work with our exceptional team of officers to serve the residents of Northfield. I am grateful for the support of my fellow officers, the Village staff and the residents of Northfield.”  

Lustig was with town’s police force for 43 years and was its chief for 24. He retired from the department at the end of September to initiate a search for the next chief.

In a text message to The Record on Oct. 10, Lustig said that the Village “encouraged” him to retire and he and the Village eventually came to terms.

The Northfield Police Department has faced multiple challenges in recent years. “Several” officers left the department in 2024, and trustees in June approved incentives to join the Northfield police force.

The department also, following a filed grievance, conducted an internal investigation in 2023 into the conduct of multiple officers. The review led to the departure of Sgt. Kevin Tierney, who reportedly sent pornographic images to colleagues and purposefully entered false nicknames into a police database for years.

Northfield Village Manager Patrick Brennan said the Village believes Hutensky is in the best position to lead the department forward.

“Mike has consistently demonstrated his aptitude for being chief,” Brennan said in a statement. “There is no one better situated to lead the women and men of our police department as we enter a new year.”  

Hutensky began with the department in 2000 and made corporal in 2005, sergeant in 2016 and deputy chief in 2021. He studied at Northwestern University and the University of Illinois at Chicago and “is well versed in the functional areas of the police department and has been serving in an administrative capacity for three years,” the release says.

Hutensky’s appointment to chief will be recognized at the Northfield Village Board meeting on Jan. 21.

The Village Board will recognize Chief Hutensky during their regular board meeting on January  21^st at 7:00 in Village Hall. The promotion of Corporal Tim Coffee to the rank of Sergeant will also be recognized during the meeting. 

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