ALBANY PARK — Elias Voulgaris has been named commander of the 17th Police District, effective Monday.
Voulgaris was previously commander of the 19th District, from August 2012 until April of this year, when he became commander of the bureau of patrol.
He replaces Jose Ramirez, who's held the job since December 2012.
During his 30-year career with the Chicago Police Department, Voulgaris has served stints with narcotics and gang investigations, the targeted response unit, and he was once posted to the 17th District as a tactical officer.
Voulgaris will be expected to focus on controlling gang violence, following a recent spate of shootings in Albany Park and Irving Park.
"We expect to start working with Cmdr. Voulgaris immediately to address the recent uptick in gun crimes," Ald. John Arena (45th) said in a note to constituents.
The 17th District's headquarters are at 4650 N. Pulaski Road, and its borders are Belmont Avenue to the south, Devon Avenue to the north, the Chicago River to the east and Cicero Avenue to the west.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
