Oak Forest Appoints New Deputy Chief Of Police: City

OAK FOREST, IL — The City of Oak Forest has named Ryan Burnett as deputy police chief, effective April 8. Burnett joins the administration alongside recently appointed Chief Scott Durano.

"Ryan will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to our management team," said Durano. "Having observed his leadership over the years, I am confident that he demonstrates sound judgment and fosters professional relationships with both his colleagues within the department and external agencies. I believe he will continue to grow and excel in his position as deputy chief."

In his new role, Burnett will focus on support services, including training, fleet management, investigations, telecommunications, professional standards, and procurement for the department.

Burnett was appointed as a police officer with the Oak Forest Police Department in 2013. He served in the patrol division as a range officer and investigator for the Suburban Major Accident Reconstruction Team before being promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2017. Burnett quickly assumed the role of detective sergeant where he supervised the investigative division. He also served as an assistant team leader with the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force. Prior to Oak Forest, Burnett served as a police officer/investigator with the Village of Steger Police Department for nine years.

Burnett holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Purdue University and is a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, an intensive leadership and management education program that helps prepare experienced law enforcement professionals for success in senior command positions. Burnett also is a certified eligible police chief through the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.