Interim Oswego Police Chief To Be Brought Before Village Board

OSWEGO, IL — Interim Police Chief Jason Bastin will likely soon be the police chief for the Oswego Police Department.

Village President Ryan Kauffman selected Bastin, who has served in the interim role since June 13, as his choice for police chief due in part to his "strong commitment and vision to serve and protect our community."

Kauffman made his selection, announced Thursday evening, after the village completed a recruitment process that involved community stakeholder meetings, surveys, interviews and a full-day assessment led by the Illinois Association of Chiefs, according to a news release.

"He is a motivated and visionary leader who brings a solid record of building teams and creating a positive work culture," Kauffman said in a statement Thursday evening.

Bastin's appointment will be brought before the Village Board Sept. 19. The community is invited to celebrate at a reception at 6:30 p.m., immediately preceding the appointment and swearing in.

The Village Board unanimously approved Bastin's appointment as interim chief June 13. He replaced Chief Jeffrey Burgner, who retired that same day after 27 years with the department.

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Before he took on the top role, he served the Oswego Police Department for 18 years, working as deputy chief of support services, patrol commander, detective sergeant, school resource officer and patrol officer. He has also been a Kendall County Special Response Team leader, firearms instructor, field training officer, rapid deployment instructor and bike officer.

Bastin has a bachelor's degree from Benedictine University and has completed leadership courses led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Northwestern University's School of Staff and Command.

"I'm honored for the opportunity to serve and protect, with dignity and respect, the residents of Oswego," Bastin said in a statement. "We must continue to build and maintain positive community relationships because our ability to police is dependent on the public's approval and respect."