Robbins Police Chief Charged with DUI Abruptly Retires
Johnny Holmes, a Dist. 218 board member, is facing his second DUI charge in three years.
A District 218 school board member has retired from his job as a south suburban police chief following his recent arrest for drunken driving.
Johnny Holmes announced his retirement, effective Friday, after a Thursday night Village of Robbins meeting meant to determine his future with the municipality, according to a media release.
He is currently serving his third term as a member of Community High School Dist. 218 school board, which includes H.L. Richards High School in Oak Lawn and Alan B. Shepard High School in Palos Heights.
Holmes’ departure as the village’s top cop comes on the heels of a Dec. 22 arrest. He is charged with driving under the influence, his second such charge in three years.
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The village released an official statement from Holmes:
I am proud and feel privileged to have served the Village of Robbins and its police department for 33 years. I consider my retirement as starting a new life for myself and my family. May God bless the Village of Robbins and my continued efforts towards becoming a better person. Thank you Village of Robbins for allowing me to serve.
Holmes had served as police chief in Robbins for 21 years.
"Chief Holmes was able to maintain the integrity and credibility of the police department by reducing crime and by holding his officers accountable for the service they provided to the community," the release from the village's administration states.
Holmes was suspended a few days after his arrest, said village Administrator Napoleon Haney.
Officers pulled over Holmes at around 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 22 in Midlothian, according to reports. His blood-alcohol content was reportedly more than twice the legal limit.
Holmes’ first arrest for DUI came in March 2010, also in Midlothian. He was suspended without pay from his job in Robbins after that incident and, later, received a verbal warning from the village trustees.
Mother 24
1:16 pm on Saturday, January 5, 2013
I want to know why Chief Holmes wasn't held accountable for his FIRST DUI?!! Public officials should be held to the same regards of the law, just as everyday citizens are!! Does Mr Holmes not realize the consequences of drinking and driving? God-Forbid a drunk driver ever hurt someone close to him, I'm sure he would want justice served, yet he gave no regard to himself getting behind the wheel of a vehicle & possibly putting innocent peoples' lives at risk!! Shame on you Mr. Holmes for being so stupid & careless!! You deserve to lose your positions with the Robbins Police Department & Dist.218 SChool Board!!!
Tyler Durden
1:16 pm on Saturday, January 5, 2013
It was just a couple little nips from a flask.Maybe if it was in a brown paper bag it would have been more acceptable!?
STM
1:16 pm on Saturday, January 5, 2013
Mr. Holmes, No body is perfect. We are all humans. We all have problems in life. What you need is some help, but you have to admit that you have a problem. Hopefully everything will be OK for you. God bless you.
Daniel White
1:16 pm on Saturday, January 5, 2013
For the parents and students of Community High District 218 we encourage Mr. Holmes to immediately resign from the CHSD 218 School Board as well. The integrity of our community and students should be of the highest value and we trust the School Board Members will do the right thing and make this change as quickly as possible.
ME
1:16 pm on Saturday, January 5, 2013
He needs to be kicked off the district 218 Board as well. If he stays on the Board, what are we telling our kids? Get him out now!
Farrell
8:46 pm on Saturday, January 5, 2013
Go Johnny Go
Go Johnny Go Go Go
Johnny B. Badde!