By Anthony Watt, awatt@qconline.com

Photo: Nicole Harris Milan Chief of Police Mark Beckwith recently was elected president of the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System, a statewide coalition of 839 law enforcement agencies consisting of police, sheriffs, and other Illinois agencies.

Longtime Milan Police Chief Mark Beckwith will be leaving his position in November to joinAugustana College's security staff.

Both Chief Beckwith and the college confirmed the move on Tuesday.

Chief Beckwith said he will retire Nov. 9 and begin his new job as assistant chief of security on Nov. 12. He will be responsible for areas such as training and emergency preparedness.

"I'm really looking forward to starting my career with Augustana College," hesaid.

Chief Beckwith said he has served 28 years with the Milan police, working his way up to the top position.He said he is most proud of the people he has worked with, citing among their greatest accomplishments the completion of Milan's new municipal building.

Milan Police Capt. Shawn Johnson will head the department until a permanent replacement is found,hesaid.