'Dream Team' To Lead Darien Police Department: Chief

DARIEN, IL – The Darien Police Department is undergoing a transition with its leader retiring.

But Chief Greg Thomas said he is confident in the "dream team" taking control.

On Tuesday, the City Council voted unanimously for Austin Jump, deputy chief of operations, to become chief. Mayor Joseph Marchese nominated him.

Jump starts in mid-November. Thomas is retiring after 11 years. Before Darien, he was Aurora's chief.

"We had a tough decision on chief," Thomas told the council. "You'll have a great one in a couple of months. Austin is a tremendous chief."

He also praised Jason Norton, deputy chief of support services, and Mike Lorek, soon-to-be deputy chief.

"Quite frankly, I think you're going to have a dream team," Thomas said. "The great supervisors, all five of them in the Darien Police Department. You are going to be set for a very, very long time."

He joked, "I'd ask Chief Jump if he's taking laterals because I wouldn't mind coming back and working as an officer with these guys in charge."

The last few days, Jump and his family have been mourning the death of his father-in-law, Kevin O'Connell, a retired police officer.

"I come from a law enforcement family, so this is a calling to me. It's not just a profession," he said.

He said Thomas brought honor and credibility to the department.

"I'm grateful for his guidance and proud to continue the work he has started," Jump said.

He said the police would continue building relationships with the community.

"The police department exists because the community places trust in us," Jump said. "That trust is our greatest responsibility, and it's something we must earn every day."

Jump joined the department in 2009.