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Police chief to retire May 29; council authorizes temporary increase in sworn staffing to hire lateral officer
Summary
Police Chief Scott Durano announced his retirement effective May 29 after 31 years. Council authorized a temporary increase to 43 sworn officers to permit hiring a lateral officer and an accelerated Field Training Officer program; the council also approved security upgrades to the police lobby. Vote on staffing and security items carried 7–0.
Police Chief Scott Durano announced on April 14 that he will retire May 29, 2026, after 31 years with Oak Forest. In a related staffing plan, the council authorized a temporary increase in the department’s sworn-capacity to 43 officers (current maximum 42) so the city can offer a conditional appointment to a lateral candidate and allow an overlap for training.
Chief Durano explained one entry-level officer is scheduled to begin the academy in mid-May and will not return to full duty until January 2027; the requested lateral hire would participate in an accelerated Field Training Officer program emphasizing local policies and geography to be operational through mid-June, producing a roughly three- to four-week overlap in staffing during the transition period.
Council approved the staffing authorization 7–0 and also approved a $38,475.09 contract with Preferred Window and Door to upgrade Police Department lobby doors, reinforced windows and a direct-to-dispatch phone system to enhance building security. Mayor Pro Tem Jim Emmett invited questions; none were raised.
The Fire & Police Commission and city staff were directed to offer a conditional appointment to the first candidate on the lateral eligibility list. The department will proceed with recruitment, conditional offer paperwork and the accelerated training schedule described by staff.
