Long-time Oak Forest Police Officer, Lieutenant Announces Retirement

After more than 36 years of service, Department Lieutenant
Michael Shaughnessy has announced his retirement, effective November 11.

“Mike displays a high degree of professionalism, dedication and expertise in everything he does,” said Police Chief Greg Anderson. “Whether it’s leading a discussion on domestic violence, writing a grant application or playing the bagpipes at a city event, Mike contributes 100 percent. There definitely will be
a void in the department without him, but we wish him all the best.”

Before becoming a lieutenant in 2001, Shaughnessy held several positions within the police department, including patrol officer, investigator and sergeant. As a patrol officer, Shaughnessy served as president of the Oak Forest Police Association, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 181, board member of the Oak Forest Police Pension Board, and steward of Teamsters Union Local 726. During his tenure with the department, Shaughnessy coordinated and obtained funding for a multi-jurisdictional gun range for the and the Village of Orland Park; initiated a multi-jurisdictional tactical team for the city, the Village of Alsip and the Village of Midlothian; and wrote a field training manual to standardize department recruit training. In addition, he served as watch commander, administered the department’s forfeiture and seizure process, and implemented the quarterly, three-day department training schedule.

Shaughnessy also received commendations from the department for terminating an organized crime auto theft ring and solving a series of residential burglaries. Shaughnessy is a member of the South Suburban Chiefs of Police Association and the Emerald Society of Illinois.