Becker to replace Flores as East Chicago police chief

EAST CHICAGO | Police Chief Augusto "Gus" Flores Jr. is stepping down, and former Portage Police Chief Mark Becker will fill the position.

A two-year contract with Becker, 54, who previously served 32 years with the FBI before retiring as senior supervisory resident agent for Northwest Indiana, was approved late Wednesday by the Board of Public Works.

Mayor Anthony Copeland said he looked outside East Chicago for a seasoned leader to help transition the Police Department to a modern merit system for hiring and promotions based on testing and achievement.

Active-duty officers voted Wednesday on their two choices for the new five-member merit board, which also includes one selection by the City Council and two by the mayor. Results are expected Thursday.

Once the merit system is in place, "the top cop will again be drawn from the city's ranks," Copeland said.

"It's a relief," said Flores, 66, who first served as East Chicago police chief from 1985 to 1990 before returning in 2009. "I'll miss the great people I work with, but it's time to pass the baton. East Chicago public safety will be in good hands."

Copeland said he appreciated Flores staying on the job longer than he intended in order to provide stability during Copeland's unexpected first months in office after former Mayor George Pabey was sent to prison on federal corruption charges.

Flores will return to City Hall after leaving the Police Department to assist with administrative matters, Copeland said.

Becker, who resigned after four years with the Portage Police Department following a December administration change, said he was honored to be recommended for the East Chicago job, and hoped to "move the department to be a responsible and responsive part of the city."

He is scheduled to be sworn in as chief Friday and start work Monday morning.

Becker will be paid $100,000 per year as an independent contractor, meaning he will receive no overtime pay and will not be covered by the city's health care or retirement plans, according to the contract signed Wednesday.