Chief Jeff Burgner To Retire After 27 Years With Oswego Police Department

OSWEGO, IL — Chief Jeff Burgner will retire after helming the Oswego Police Department for nine years, village officials announced Friday.

He will officially retire on June 13. That same day, he will be recognized for his service at the Village Board meeting.

Officials said village staff will begin the process of selecting the next police chief "over the coming months."

"It has been my honor and privilege to work with the amazing men and women of the Oswego Police Department," Burgner said in a statement. "I will forever be thankful for the friendships, support, and dedication from everyone I had the privilege to work with."

Burger was brought on as a police officer in 1996, became a detective in 2000, and was promoted to sergeant in 2004 and to police captain in 2010. Four years later, he was appointed chief.

He is a 2007 graduate of Northwestern University's Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command.

"There is not enough that can be said about Jeff's commitment and contributions to Oswego," Village President Troy Parlier said in a statement. "He has led a first-class operation that has always kept our community's safety and wellbeing as their priority. It has been my privilege to be associated with Jeff and his organization these past four years."

Burgner's tenure is marked by overseeing the planning and construction of police headquarters, which opened in 2018 in order to meet the needs of a growing community. During his time as chief, he also prioritized staff training to implement a succession plan to prepare the department for staff retirements.

Under his leadership, village officials said in a news release the police department "continued to meet the highest standards of professionalism with its commitment to providing outstanding services, build strong community relationships, and prevent crime."

As a result, the department has been recognized by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies for its excellence in public safety. It received its sixth award in 2021, making the Oswego Police Department among only five percent of Illinois law enforcement agencies accredited by CALEA.