Robbins Police Chief Charged with DUI Abruptly Retires

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.

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