NORTHBROOK, IL — A longtime Northbrook police officer who grew up in the community has been selected to lead the department.
Marc Fainman, currently the deputy chief of field operations, has been named Northbrook's next police chief, village officials announced. He brings more than 20 years of experience with the department and has served in roles ranging from patrol officer and detective to commander and deputy chief.
"In making this decision, Chief Fainman's experience in the organization and community make him exceptionally well prepared to lead the Police Department into the future," Village Manager Cara Pavlicek said in a statement.
Fainman succeeds John Ustich, who recently retired after 30 years with the Northbrook Police Department.
RELATED: Northbrook Police Chief Retires After 30 Years With Department
As Patch previously reported, Ustich joined the department in 1996 and served as a patrol officer, detective, sergeant, patrol commander and deputy chief before becoming chief. A U.S. Navy veteran, he was appointed to the department's top post in December 2024 after serving on an interim basis.
Fainman joined the Northbrook Police Department as a patrol officer in 2006.
He later served as a tactical officer, detective, sergeant, patrol commander, deputy chief of technical services and deputy chief of field operations.
Fainman had been serving as interim chief since July 1, when Ustich's retirement took effect and the village continued its internal selection process.
Throughout his career, Fainman has led several major department initiatives, including the implementation of body-worn cameras, modernization of officer training and long-term planning for a future police facility, according to the village.
"It has always been a unique privilege to serve the community where I grew up," Fainman said. "Over the past 20 years, I have been blessed to work alongside and learn from the dedicated professionals of our highly respected police department."
"I am both humbled and honored to continue serving this outstanding department and the community we are committed to protecting."
The village said its selection process included representatives from the labor unions for police officers, sergeants and dispatchers, along with command staff and civilian department employees.
Deputy Village Manager Jim Hawkins and several village department directors also participated in the interview and selection process.
"The Village is fortunate to have many strong leaders within the Northbrook Police Department who are ready to serve at the next level," Pavlicek said.
"Chief Fainman and I share a commitment to supporting the professional development of every employee in the Department while continuing to provide the exceptional public safety services our community expects."
Fainman is a Glenbrook North High School graduate and holds a master's degree in organizational leadership.
He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has completed executive leadership programs through Northwestern University's Center for Public Safety.
Ustich, meanwhile, left the department after a three-decade career that village officials described as marked by steady leadership, public safety accountability and strong community relationships.
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