Wheeling Deputy Police Chief Joseph Kopecky Courtesy of Wheeling

Just months after Wheeling’s police chief was deposed and replaced, a new deputy chief has been named to help lead the department.

Cmdr. Joseph Kopecky was promoted to deputy chief Monday, effective immediately, village officials said. He will succeed Deputy Chief Al Steffen when Steffen retires Jan. 1, Village Manager Jon Sfondilis said.

Until then, Kopecky will serve alongside Steffen and Deputy Chief Michael Conway under Interim Chief Bill Murphy.

Kopecky joined the department as a patrol officer in 1997. He’s also served in investigations and in command-level positions, according to the village’s news release.

“Joe has consistently demonstrated the professionalism, leadership, and dedication necessary to succeed in

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