Tinley Park Names New Police Chief, With Neighborhood Concerns in Focus (Tinley Park, IL) — Brian McDermott took over as Tinley Park’s police chief Wednesday with a message for residents frustrated by speeding cars, noise and other neighborhood problems: the department hears them.
The Village Board voted unanimously Nov. 4 to appoint McDermott, who joined the department as deputy chief in September 2025. Trustees also approved four police watch commanders during a meeting that brought officers and their families forward for oaths of office, photographs and thanks.
McDermott’s appointment took effect immediately. His remarks afterward moved from gratitude for the opportunity to the concerns residents have raised with him during his first year in the village.
He specifically mentioned speeding on residential streets, noise complaints, overnight parking, e-bikes and e-scooters. He said police were working to address those issues, while asking residents to recognize that some of the department’s work happens outside public view.
“We’re taking those complaints seriously,” McDermott said.
He also pledged to build trust through communication, transparency and professional decision-making, acknowledging that earning the confidence of residents and department employees takes time.
McDermott succeeds Thomas Tilton, whose resignation took effect Oct. 23. The reasons for Tilton’s departure were not discussed during the public portion of Wednesday’s meeting.
In presenting McDermott’s appointment, Mayor Michael Glotz cited his three decades in law enforcement and his oversight of Tinley Park’s patrol division over the past year. His experience includes law enforcement planning, management and emergency operations. He holds a master’s degree in applied computer science.
McDermott said supporting officers would remain central to his work, including their safety, wellness and morale. He described getting to know department employees both professionally and personally over the past year, including watching their families grow.
The four watch commander appointments brought together longtime Tinley Park officers and candidates with extensive experience in other agencies. All four were approved unanimously and sworn in by Village Clerk Nancy O’Connor.
Sonny London, who joined Tinley Park in 2005, will begin his new assignment Nov. 30. His work has included training and mentoring 25 officers, serving as a school resource officer in Consolidated High School District 230 and helping run the Citizens Police Academy for 12 years.
London’s background also includes service as a juvenile officer, DARE officer, firearms instructor and crisis intervention team member. In his remarks, he thanked the colleagues and community members who had supported his career.
David Schmidt, another Tinley Park officer who joined the department in 2005, also will become a watch commander Nov. 30. He began his police career in 2000 and has worked in patrol, traffic enforcement, investigations and community policing.
His assignments have included field training, firearms instruction, mobile field force leadership and instruction in the Citizens Police Academy. Schmidt thanked village officials for their confidence in him and said he looked forward to continuing to serve the community.
Richard O’Brien’s appointment takes effect Nov. 30. Officials described more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, including 21 years as a sergeant in a county sheriff’s department and two years as a commander. His background includes emergency services, specialized units, training and critical incident command.
Patrick McKenzie will begin as a watch commander Nov. 16. His career spans more than 31 years and includes advancement through supervisory and command positions, reaching deputy chief in 2024. Officials also cited his experience coordinating major incidents and event security, along with his service in the Army’s 1st Infantry Division.
Much of the meeting was devoted to the people behind those appointments. Family members, fellow officers and Citizens Police Academy participants joined the newly sworn-in officials for photographs.
Earlier, trustees unanimously adopted a resolution supporting awareness of Aicardi syndrome, a rare neurological condition, and recognizing affected families and caregivers.
The discussion became personal when a family member thanked police officers and command staff for covering shifts and donating time over the past four and a half years. That support, he said, had allowed him to be present for his family. He also thanked staff at Memorial School in District 146.
The board’s other business included appointing Thomas Steinbach as a diesel mechanic, effective Nov. 9, and recognizing Olympic Star, the longtime restaurant on 171st Street, through the village’s Business Spotlight program.
No one spoke during the public comment period on agenda items. Trustees later voted to enter a closed session to discuss personnel and litigation.
Tinley Park Names New Police Chief, With Neighborhood Concerns in Focus
