Urbana City Council unanimously approved the appointment of Zachery Mikalik as deputy chief of the Urbana Police Department on Monday. The outgoing deputy chief, Dave Smysor, is leaving for Mahomet, where he was named the village’s new chief of police. Smysor will officially assume the new role Oct. 1.
Urbana Police Chief Larry Boone praised Mikalik for his 18 years of service to the department and his leadership in officer training, wellness, community engagement and system modernization. Mikalik currently serves as services division commander and holds a master’s degree in management and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University. He is a former patrol officer, patrol sergeant and services lieutenant with the Illinois Army National Guard service
“He has earned multiple commendations, including the Community Engagement and Hometown Hero Awards, reflecting a career of innovation, trust, and service,” Boone said in a news release. “Deputy Chief Mikalik is also set to attend the FBI National Academy, a key leadership milestone for future leaders.”
Mayor Deshawn Williams praised Mikalik for his commitment to the Urbana community.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside Deputy Chief Mikalik out in the community and he truly cares about Urbana,” Williams said in the news release. “He consistently shows a deep and genuine concern for the well-being of the officers he helps lead, and his dedication, compassion, and steady leadership make him an exceptional choice to help guide the future of our police force and our city.”
This move comes amidst recruitment troubles for the Urbana Police Department. Boone said at an Urbana City Council meeting that 2024 alone saw double-digit numbers of police officers leaving the department and multiple officers left the department in 2025, either to retirement or to other departments. Urbana’s budget for fiscal year 2025-26 includes $16 million toward the UPD, including funds to add three patrol officers to the force and extend hiring incentives.
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Mikalik said he is grateful for the opportunity and reaffirmed his commitment to the city as someone who lives in the community he polices.
“I live in Urbana,” Mikalik said. “My kids go to school in Urbana. I love this city, and I want to see what’s best for it. I believe that I can help with the chief’s guidance to do that in collaboration with the rest of the city and the police department.”
