Matthews Police chief resigns after less than a year on the job

MATTHEWS, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — After less than a year on the job, Matthews Police Chief Mike Clesceri is resigning this month.

The town announced Clesceri, hired in January, will end his tenure Sept. 28 to return to Illinois due to “unforeseen personal circumstances.”

“The men and women of the Matthews Police Department are some of the finest I have ever had the privilege of working with, and it is with a heavy heart that I announce my resignation,” Clesceri said in a statement released Thursday. “They are deeply passionate about their work and genuinely care about the people they serve. Together, we have strengthened an already solid foundation for the next chief to build upon.”

Clesceri has strong ties to the state where he’s returning. He came to Matthews after serving as chief of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office in Woodstock, Illinois.  He also is a graduate of Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.

During his tenure with Matthews PD, the town says Clesceri implemented new processes, realigned patrol divisions, increased police presence downtown, streamlined reporting protocols, and made several new hires and promotions.

Major Roy Sisk will serve as interim chief while a search begins for a permanent replacement.

When Clesceri was hired earlier this year, Town Manager Becky Hawke touted his “excellent track record of effective leadership and organizational development.”

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