(2-18-26) Rockford Police Chief Bryan Stetler has announced that he will retire after 30 years in law enforcement, with his resignation effective March 6.
From Village of Rockford Council Minutes 2-17-26
Safety Committee: Mark Heitkamp
Motion Mark to accept the resignation of Chief Bryan Stetler. He is retiring effective March 9th, 2026. Second Luke. Shane called for the question. Mark = y, Luke = y, Shane = y, Marcas = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Thank you Chief Stetler for your years of dedication to the Village of Rockford. We wish you best of luck in your retirement.
Stetler will be transitioning into a new role in Mercer County, working for Judge Matthew Fox as a bailiff for Mercer County Common Pleas Court, General Division.
Stetler has served with the Rockford Police Department since 1997, beginning as an auxiliary officer. He became a part time officer in 1998, a full time officer in 2002, and was promoted to sergeant in 2004. In 2023, he was promoted to police chief.
Mercer County Outlook 