Waterman Police Department

05/04/2026

04/18/2026

TORNADO WARNING

Action Recommended: Take shelter in place or per instructions

Issued By: Chicago - IL, US, National Weather Service

Affected Area: DeKalb County

Description: The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a Tornado Warning for... Northeastern La Salle County in north central Illinois... De Kalb County in north central Illinois Until 915 PM CDT.

At 828 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms capable of producing both tornadoes and extensive straight line wind damage were located along a line extending from 8 miles southeast of Ashton to near Mendota to 8 miles south of Earlville to near North Utica, moving northeast at 50 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.

These dangerous storms will be near... Earlville around 835 PM CDT. Sheridan, Shabbona, Serena, and Leland around 840 PM CDT. Sandwich, Lake Holiday, Somonauk, and Waterman around 845 PM CDT.

Other locations in the path of these tornadic storms include DeKalb, Malta, Sycamore, Cortland, Hinckley and Maple Park.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

This line of thunderstorms is capable of producing tornadoes and widespread significant wind damage. Do not wait to see or hear the tornado. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED; MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN

04/17/2026

Sergeant Swanson and Chief Wig 😎

04/15/2026

I am truly honored and humbled to serve as the new Chief of Police for the Village of Waterman.

This community is more than just where I work; it is home. My family has lived in DeKalb County for five generations, and that connection means everything to me. I understand the values that make small communities strong: trust, hard work, and looking out for one another. It is a privilege to serve now and protect a place that reflects those same values.

I bring with me over two decades of law enforcement experience, most recently serving in leadership roles, including Deputy Chief of Police. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to lead patrol operations, oversee investigations, manage critical incidents, and build strong partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies. I have also been deeply involved in training, policy development, and community-focused initiatives designed to improve both safety and trust.

Community involvement has always been a priority for me. Whether working with schools, serving on advisory boards, presenting to professional organizations, or simply engaging with residents, policing works best when built on relationships. You will see me out in the community, at events, and in neighborhoods, because being visible and approachable matters.

Waterman is a proud and growing village with a strong sense of identity. My commitment is to lead with integrity, transparency, and accountability while working alongside our officers, village staff, and residents to maintain a safe, welcoming environment for everyone.

I look forward to meeting many of you in the coming weeks and months. Please do not hesitate to say hello, share your thoughts, or stop me if you see me around town.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Jeffery M. Wig
Chief of Police

04/08/2026

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a DeKalb firefighter/paramedic yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers are with their family, friends, and department during this incredibly difficult time.

This loss is a solemn reminder of the risks and sacrifices made every day by those who serve in emergency services. We would also like to recognize and thank our own Waterman firefighters/paramedics who serve our community as dedicated volunteers. Your commitment, courage, and willingness to answer the call at all hours does not go unnoticed.

Please join us in keeping all first responders, and especially those affected by this loss, in your thoughts and prayers.

03/15/2026

⚠️ Winter Weather Advisory ⚠️

⚠️ Total snow accumulation is expected to be 1 - 3 inches and winds of up to 45 miles per hour; beginning at 10pm tonight continuing to 1pm Monday. Please be careful if you have to travel; be prepared for slippery roads and the potential for limited visibility.

Be sure to keep any vehicles off of curbed streets if the snow accumulates to 2 inches or more so our Public Works snow plows can clear the snow from our streets. Any vehicle parked on a curbed street after 2 inches of snowfall is subject to being ticketed and towed (Ordinance 5-3-4B). There is a municipal parking lot downtown accessible from Birch Street where vehicles can be parked if need be to keep curbed streets clear and comply with the ordinance.

Please visit weather.gov for updates on this Winter Weather Advisory. The latest road conditions for Illinois can be found at www.gettingaroundillinois.com ⚠️

02/18/2026

for more information on wanted subjects in Kendall County, please visit www.kendallcountyil.gov/sheriff