The Centralia Police Department now has three lieutenants.
Sergeant Joe Rizzo was elevated to the newly created third lieutenant position during a Monday afternoon swearing-in ceremony.
Rizzo will continue to oversee the investigations unit.
Centralia Police Chief Christopher Locke asked for the organizational change to create the lieutenant’s position over investigations to improve the chain of command. As part of the change, the department will have one fewer sergeant. The Centralia City Council approved the realigned organizational chart at the last meeting.
Locke called Rizzo’s promotion well-deserved. Locke said he had heard a lot of good things about Joe when working as Fairview Heights Police Chief prior to coming to Centralia and says Joe has exceeded his expectations in effectiveness and efficiency.
Rizzo joined the Centralia Police Department in 2001 after working for the Sandoval, Wamac, and Central City Police Departments. He rose through the ranks starting as a patrolman. After serving four years in investigations starting in 2014, he returned to investigations in May of 2022 when he was named Investigations Commander.
A few of his accolades include being a juvenile officer, Officer of the Year in 2014, Taser Instructor, Rifle Instructor, and Lead Homicide Investigator, among numerous additional training and commendations.
The Centralia Police Department poses in the Centralia City Council Chambers following Lieutenant Joe Rizzo’s swearing-in ceremony.
