Gurnee promotes three police officers, swears them into new leadership roles

Mayor Thomas Hood and members of the Gurnee Village Board on Dec. 15 administered oaths and promoted three officers within the Gurnee Police Department.

Detective Tracy Pugliese, who joined the department in February 2006 and has served as a patrol officer, juvenile officer and evidence technician, was promoted to detective sergeant and will serve as investigations commander. The board highlighted her work with the Internet Crimes Against Children task force and the Lake County Major Crime Task Force, and noted she helped resolve a cold-case homicide while overseeing investigations. "I want to thank everybody for coming," Pugliese said in brief remarks, adding she was "looking forward to this new role."

Sergeant Tim Hamann, a Gurnee officer since 2014 who was promoted to sergeant in March 2023, will take on command responsibility for patrol night shifts. The board described Hamann’s roles in traffic safety, crisis intervention and training. Hamann thanked colleagues and family and said he was "honored and blessed beyond belief" to serve.

Detective Joshua Silvernail, a department member since January 2020, was recognized for founding the Gurnee Police Department mentorship program and for work with the visitor-oriented policing unit and community outreach. Silvernail will serve as a patrol sergeant and in his remarks he emphasized gratitude to family and mentors in the department.

All promotions were presented as internal advancements intended to retain institutional knowledge and leadership within the department. The board read biographies, administered the oaths of office and offered congratulations during the meeting before proceeding with other business.