Elmhurst Police Chief Michael Ruth (left) is pictured here with then-Fifth Ward Alderman (currently Mayor) Scott Levin at an Elmhurst University event featuring Jeb Bush in 2018. Ruth passed away on Sunday, May 29, following a medical procedure, surrounded by loved ones.
The City of Elmhurst announces the passing of honorable Police Chief, Michael R. Ruth. Chief Ruth passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 30, surrounded by family members, while in a hospital recovering from a medical procedure.
Chief Ruth was a dedicated police professional who served 44 years in law enforcement. He began as a dispatcher in Alsip and a patrolman in Hometown before joining the Skokie Police Department in 1981, where he served in many roles, rising to the rank of Commander in 2010. Chief Ruth was selected as Chief of Police for the Village of Countryside, where he served from 2010 to 2012.
He began leading the Elmhurst Police Department in 2012; serving for the last ten years building strong community support, implementing new crime prevention technologies, and achieving Tier 1 state accreditation for the City’s agency. Chief Ruth also contributed to the profession of law enforcement as an adjunct professor, teaching criminal justice students at the University of Illinois-Chicago and Governors State University. He was a graduate of the 207th Session of the FBI National Academy and past president of the West Suburban Chiefs of Police Association.
“I am forever grateful to have worked alongside him,” said Elmhurst City Manager Jim Grabowski. “He was an asset to our organization and his loss will not be easy to overcome.”
Chief Ruth was described as a strong leader, a trusted director, and a highly respected member of the City’s team. He will be remembered for his fearless guidance, outstanding commitment to his work, and tireless support in providing Elmhurst with high quality public safety services.
“Above all, Chief Ruth believed in the nobility of the Elmhurst Police Department’s work and the professionalism of its members,” stated Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin. “Our City has suffered a tremendous loss, however I am comforted in knowing that Chief was a mentor to many and that his commitment to the highest level of public safety standards for our community will live on.”
Private arrangement will be made to honor Chief Ruth in line with his wishes. Deputy Chief Michael McLean who has been serving as Acting Police Chief in Chief Ruth’s absence will continue as Interim Police Chief.
