Tinley Police Leadership Shifts Following Embattled Chief's Resignation

TINLEY PARK, IL — The Tinley Park Village Board at a special meeting on Wednesday promoted several within the police department, with one rising to the rank of chief following the hushed resignation of former chief Thomas Tilton.

With board action Wednesday, Deputy Chief Brian McDermott was promoted to the role of chief, replacing Tilton. McDermott was hired to the deputy chief role in September 2025.

Village Manager Pat Carr confirmed Tilton's resignation, was effective Oct. 23. Patch has filed Freedom of Information Act requests for documents regarding his departure; on Monday, the Village asked for an extension on one of the requests.

Tilton's resignation comes more than a year after dozens of Tinley Park police officers signed a vote of no confidence against him as talks for an officer contract stretched nearly two years.

Relations between the Village and Metropolitan Alliance of Police Tinley Park Chapter #192 were strained as negotiations dragged on, with the union citing "lack of direction, disregard for staff concerns, and inadequate or absent policy decisions" as the basis for its vote and a catalyst for a potential leadership change. Under Tilton, officers claimed, the department had seen a "noticeable decline" in its reputation, impairing its ability to attract qualified applicants.

The union said Tilton's leadership led to a "steady decline in morale, strategic direction, and overall vision," in the department.

The Village at the time stood by Tilton, praising him for his contributions as chief, saying he "made significant strides attempting to fix bad and costly practices that have been going on for decades."

The Village had alleged overtime abuse during contract deliberations. A contract was eventually reached in March 2026. The agreement contains 4 percent salary increases each year of the contract. In exchange for retroactive payments, the union also agreed to withdraw unfair labor practices charges, according to village documents.

The Village has not offered comment on Tilton's resignation.

New Leadership

McDermott's career spans 30 years and includes time at the Chicago Police Department, the Village said. He has spent time focused on the development, management, and implementation of law enforcement strategies and emergency planning/operations for a large city, the Village said. He has "made a considerable impact over the last year overseeing patrol division operations and has demonstrated his leadership, management skills, and ability to drive strategic initiatives," Mayor Michael Glotz said during the meeting.

McDermott was sworn in and thanked Village officials for putting their trust in him.

"It was a little more than a year that I stood up saying that it was an honor and a privilege to be able to serve the residents of Tinley Park and to work alongside the dedicated men and women of the Tinley Park police department," McDermott said. "And I stand here today, just as honored to take on the role of chief of police, not only for the Village, but for this department, and I look forward to that opportunity."

McDermott said he has enjoyed getting to know the community and the members of the department.

"My commitments are really the same," he said. "It’s to provide the greatest public safety that I can to the Village of Tinley Park, and to continue to lead, mentor, and support the men and women of the Tinley Park PD. I want to support all the efforts that are going to help enhance officer safety, officer wellness, and officer morale."

In meeting members of the public, McDermott said he has fielded complaints varying in nature and severity, and is working to address them.

"One thing I ask the public, is to acknowledge that every time you look out your window and you don’t see a police officer, it doesn’t mean that we’re not there," he urged. "We are out there—we’re taking those complaints seriously. Just because you don’t see us, doesn’t mean that we’re not doing the job. Lot of times what the officers do goes unseen, it goes unnoticed, sometimes it goes unappreciated.

"I just want to let the officers know that we do appreciate the efforts, and let the public know that we are doing our best to address those concerns."

He stressed he will work diligently to build and improve relationships between police and residents.

"I know that trust and respect aren't earned overnight," he said. "So I’ve been doing my best to earn the trust and respect of department members, as well as members of the community. I’m going to continue doing that—through communicating, being transparent and being as professional as I can in the decisions that I make."

Four were also promoted to watch commander, including Sonny London, Richard O'Brien, Patrick McKenzie and Dave Schmidt.

Sonny London

London joined the Tinley Park Police Department in 2005. He has served as a field training officer, during which he mentored and trained 25 officers. He has also served as a juvenile officer, DARE officer, firearms instructor, crisis intervention team member, and administrator, coordinator, and instructor of the Citizen Police Academy for 12 years.

He serves as a school resource officer with District 230, providing on-site law enforcement, and working as a liaison between the police department, educators, school administrators, parents, students, and the community. London also has eight years of managerial experience in the private sector before beginning his career in law enforcement. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management.

Richard O'Brien

O'Brien has over 30 years of progressive law enforcement experience serving in supervisory and command operational assignments, including patrol, police academy training, and emergency services. He served as sergeant for 21 years in a county sheriff’s department and as commander for two years. He has directed emergency services operations for specialized units, including SWAT, Bomb Unit, Helicopter Task Force, and School Safety Programs while overseeing personnel management, strategic planning, training development, emergency response coordination, and critical incident command. Richard holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business and will be graduating from the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command on Nov. 6.

Patrick McKenzie

McKenzie has 31 years of law enforcement experience, community engagement, and strategic command experience serving in supervisory and leadership ranks during his career for the second largest police department in the nation. He was first promoted in 2009 to sergeant and continued to advance through the ranks to lieutenant, captain and commander, and served as deputy chief of police in 2024. He has overseen major incidents, developed and led critical operations, coordinated major event security, and managed community relations initiatives. McKenzie holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Management and completed the PERF Senior Management Institute for police leadership training program in 2023. Patrick also served in the United States Army, 1st Infantry Division (Big Red One).

Dave Schmidt

Schmidt joined the Tinley Park Police Department in 2005, after beginning his police career in 2000. Schmidt is experienced in patrol operations, traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, community policing, and specialized law enforcement functions. He has served as a field training officer, mobile field force team commander, firearms instructor, part-time officer and community services officer coordinator, and Citizens Police Academy instructor. He has supervised specialized programs, fosters positive community relationships, and is committed to public safety. Schmidt holds an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice.