Park Renamed After Late Tinley Police Chief Mike O’Connell

TINLEY PARK, IL — If you're driving down 175th Street, you might notice that Bristol Park has a new name. The park was recently renamed Chief Mike O’Connell Park in honor of Tinley's late police chief. O'Connell died after complications from heart surgery in May 2011.

Chief Mike O'Connell Park is located at 17501 Bristol Park Drive.

The former chief's death came when he was 60 years old and still serving as Tinley Park's police chief. His career began in 1972 in Riverdale, where he also served as police chief, according to the park district.

In 1995, O'Connell joined the Tinley Park Police Department as police chief. O’Connell served on the South Suburban Association for their Chiefs of Police executive board, according to the park district.

In 2005, O'Connell was named Police Chief of the Year by the Illinois State Crime Commission.

"We are proud to honor and recognize his lifetime of compassionate and committed service to his community and to the Tinley Park-Park District," the park district wrote.

The former chief was remembered by many in the community at his funeral back in 2011.

The park is a three-acres and was acquired in 1999. Facilities at the location include a playground, shelter, pathway and soccer field. For more information, visit the Tinley Park-Park District's website.