1 Aurora Police Officer Retires, Another Gets Promotion

AURORA, IL — Two shifts in personnel happened at the Aurora Police Department in the last few days: One police officer retired, and a lieutenant was promoted.

On Friday, officials announced Mike Oeser retired after serving the department for 26 years. He was appointed on Dec. 29, 1997, and went on to serve in various roles, including as a patrol officer and a Community Orientated Policing officer. Oeser also worked as a street evidence technician, bicycle patrol officer and a Spanish translator.

Outside his official duties, Oeser served as an honor guard and was the pipe major of the Aurora Police Department Pipes & Drums. In July 2003, he was named co-employee of the month.

"We commend Mike for his many years of service to the Aurora Police Department and the citizens of Aurora, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors," officials said in an announcement.

The following day, Bryan Handell, who served as lieutenant, began his new role as commander. Handell will oversee administrative services, central services and telecommunications, officials said.

Handell, born in Aurora, began his law enforcement career with the Aurora Police Department in 2004. He went on to work in patrol, field, training, investigations, traffic and central services. He was promoted to sergeant in 2016 and to lieutenant in 2021.

Handell too is a member of Pipes & Drums and serves on its Board of Directors.

The new commander has a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne.