Oak Park Police Chief Ambrose Announces Retirement

OAK PARK, IL — Oak Park Police Chief Anthony Ambrose has announced he will hang up his hat at the end of the month. Ambrose, who has been on medical leave since April, recently underwent a successful kidney transplant and says he wants to dedicate his time and energy to recovering.

A 34-year veteran of the Oak Park Police Department, Ambrose became police chief in 2016 after his predecessor Rick Tanksley retired. Ambrose said in a news release that when he started as a patrol officer in 1984, he knew he wanted to become chief of the force.

"Being chief of the Oak Park Police Department was the achievement of a goal I set when I first put on the uniform more than 34 years ago. Choosing to retire was a tough decision. But I know in my heart and head it is time for me to pass the chief’s stars on to a new generation of leadership, Ambrose said.”

The retiring chief added that he was humbled by the amount of support he got from Oak Parkers after news of his medical struggles with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis became public. He called Oak Park a "a one in a million community" that he has been proud to serve.

Cara Pavlicek, Oak Park Village Manager, said Ambrose's work as police chief will continue to have an impact on "compassion demonstrated by law enforcement in this community for years to come," including his ongoing efforts to raise awareness about mental health issues.

Related: Oak Park Police Chief To Take 'Extended Leave Of Absence'

The police department, currently helmed by interim Police Chief LaDon Reynolds, will hold a formal search to find Ambrose's successor.

Image via Oak Park Police Department