EDWARDSVILLE – Edwardsville Police Chief Michael Fillback will retire Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, closing a 30-year law enforcement career spent entirely with the Edwardsville Police Department, the city announced Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026.
Fillback has led the department for the past five years. He began his career with Edwardsville in August 1996 and is a graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve this community alongside so many dedicated professionals,” Fillback said after the decision was announced.
His tenure as chief included the December 2021 tornado that killed six people, which occurred five months after he took the role. The city said he also oversaw a period of growth in Edwardsville and in the police department.
As chief, Fillback pursued advances in officer-worn safety equipment and helped standardize gear such as crisis care kits in vehicles, because officers are typically the first to arrive at emergency scenes, according to the city.
“I am immensely grateful for Chief Fillback’s expertise and his calm, measured leadership during some trying moments for the City,” Mayor Art Risavy said.
Fillback has supported Special Olympics Illinois for years, serves on several regional advocacy boards, and currently leads the Southern Illinois Police Chiefs Association.
Mayor Risavy will announce an appointee to succeed Fillback at a later date. The mayor’s appointments are subject to City Council approval.
