First female police chief in Lake in the Hills retires after 30 years in police service

Mary Frake, Lake in the Hills Police Chief and the first female police chief, retired Thursday after 30 years of service.

“There are few individuals who have left such an indelible mark on McHenry County law enforcement as Chief Mary Frake, whose retirement marks the culmination of an extraordinary thirty-year career,” Lake in the Hills police said in a statement.

Frake was the only female officer in her class at the Illinois State Police Academy in 1994.

She spent several years on patrol and then as a detective in investigations, where she advocated for the interests of crime victims and ensured their voices were heard and respected, police officials said.

“Frake’s tenacity, meticulous attention to detail, strong leadership skills and commitment to the community extended far beyond the police department. Her years were marked by commendations and awards for her service, integrity and exceptional skills as a police officer and investigator,” the department said.

Frake reached a milestone in 2003 when she became the first female deputy police chief. Another milestone was reached in 2021 when she was promoted to police chief, becoming the first female police chief in Lake in the Hills and the second female police chief ever in McHenry County.

“In her time with the police force, Chief Frake has truly exemplified what it means to lead with integrity, vision and unwavering commitment,” said Officer Amanda Schmitt, Lake in the Hills Police Department spokesperson.

“Under Chief Frake’s leadership, our department has achieved unprecedented milestones, such as breaking ground on a state-of-the-art police facility scheduled to open in 2025. Chief Frake fostered a culture of excellence and community engagement. She strengthened our operational capabilities, but was also a tireless advocate for the well-being and safety of our community,” said Schmitt.

Schmitt called Frakes’ accomplishments “remarkable” and said they set a high standard for leadership within the police department and in the community.

The agency said Frake led initiatives to modernize the agency and introduced new methods to improve crime prevention and community policing.

According to officials, 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 model of what can be accomplished through dedication, empathy and commitment to the common 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.