Matthews welcomes new police chief

MATTHEWS – Two hours after taking the oath as chief of the Matthews Police Department, Michael Clesceri was introduced to the community during the March 11 town commissioners meeting. 

“I think that badge is still extra shiny from coming out of the box,” quipped Town Manager Becky Hawke.

The badge may be new but the man wearing it has more than 33 years of law enforcement experience, most recently as chief of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office in Woodstock, Illinois. 

Clesceri is the first permanent hire for police chief since Clark Pennington, who served from January 2018 to August 2022.

Hawke said Clesceri went through a “very arduous” interview and background process.

“When we went looking for a chief, we were looking for somebody who could build relationships, who could represent the department well, who could build the department and be a mentor to the men and women who serve day in and day out,” Hawke said. “I really truly believe that we found that and then some in Chief Clesceri.

His career has included a wide range of roles, including chief, assistant chief of investigations, commander, sergeant, patrol and K9 officer, gang investigator, SWAT operator and major narcotics detective.

“Over those 33 years, he has touched every single facet of law enforcement and even dealt with some major issues that we are fortunate to not have in Matthews,” Hawke said. “We would certainly like to keep it that way.”

In his first public remarks as chief, Clesceri thanked Hawke for having the confidence in him to lead the Matthews Police Department. 

“I feel like it's a dream community,” Clesceri said of Matthews. “The support that I've received from the community members and from the staff, from the town commissioners – it's just been phenomenal.

“I look forward to leading a great department. Perhaps making a great department even better and serving all of you, the residents of Matthews.”