Departing Tinley Park Police Chief Sworn In To New Chief Role

TINLEY PARK, IL — Less than two weeks after his announced resignation from the role of Tinley Park police chief and before his last day on the job, Matt Walsh has been sworn in to his next role.

At a special meeting Monday evening, the Indian Head Park Village Board approved the appointment of Walsh to the head of its police department, according to an agenda on the Indian Head Park village website.

Walsh on Sept. 15 submitted his resignation from his position as Tinley Park chief of police. Village Manager Pat Carr said that Walsh had been on vacation at the time of his submitted resignation, and that his reason for leaving was unclear.

Commander Tim Poulos, Deputy Chief Larry Rafferty and several administrative team members were in attendance Monday as Walsh took the oath.

"I'm honored to be selected as your chief of police for Indian Head Park," Walsh told the board. "... I'm really honored to be here, I'm looking forward to getting started. So thank you."

Walsh was appointed chief in Tinley Park in 2018, stepping into the role after the departure of Steve Neubauer. His law enforcement career has now spanned more than 30 years. He graduated from the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and from the Northwestern University's School of Police of Staff and Command.

He told the board that he become familiar with Indian Head Park during his nearly 30 years with the Cook County Sheriff's Department. Indian Head Park is slightly north of the intersection of Interstate 294 and Interstate 55, south of Western Springs, west of Countryside, north and east of Burr Ridge. Per the 2020 census, the population was 4,065.

Walsh's last day with the Tinley Park Police Department is Sept. 30. Village Manager Pat Carr said they will launch a nationwide search for his replacement. An interim chief is expected to be named Friday, Carr added.