New Darien Police Chief Nominated, Replacing Retiring Leader

DARIEN, IL – Darien Mayor Joseph Marchese announced Thursday that he was nominating Deputy Chief Austin Jump as the new chief, replacing the retiring Greg Thomas.

The City Council is set to vote on Jump's appointment at its Sept. 8 meeting. He would start Nov. 14.

"Deputy Chief Jump has served the community since March 2009 and is known for his outstanding character and dedication to the police profession," Marchese said in a news release. "In addition to all of his skills and experience, he has a unique ability to connect with people."

Jump has served as the deputy chief since 2025, a police sergeant from 2019 to 2025 and an officer for a decade before that.

He holds a bachelor of science degree in law enforcement and justice administration. He has received Darien Police Life Saving Awards, the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Award and the Merit SWAT Award of Excellence, according to the news release.

"I am excited to lead the finest police department there is," Jump said in the release. "The excellent work of the police department, its strong support from the elected officials, city administrator and professional partners, has resulted in Darien's accomplishment as one of the safest communities in the Chicagoland area."

Last month, the city announced that Thomas was retiring after 11 years. Before Darien, Thomas was Aurora's police chief. He retired from that department.