The Village of Oak Park | 123 Madison St. Oak Park, IL 60302 | village@oak-park.us
Oak Park offers a variety of services that can be accessed online from a computer, tablet or smart phone. Some of the services are managed directly by the Village, while others are third-party vendors authorized by the Village to conduct transactions.
The Village of Oak Park provides a wide range of services, from public safety programs like fire and police protection to support for housing, historic preservation and neighborhood relations. Don't see what you are looking for? Use the search feature at the top of the page.
Oak Park operates under the village manager form of government. A part-time, elected legislative body of a president and six trustees hires a professional manager to oversee the day-to-day administration of government programs and services.
Oak Park boasts excellent schools, world class architecture, shopping, dining and an extensive public transportation network. But Oak Park is more than a place – it also is a way of life. Use the links in this menu to learn more about our community and the many services available to residents and visitors alike.
Oak Park offers a variety of services that can be accessed online from a computer, tablet or smart phone. Some of the services are managed directly by the Village, while others are third-party vendors authorized by the Village to conduct transactions.
The Village of Oak Park provides a wide range of services, from public safety programs like fire and police protection to support for housing, historic preservation and neighborhood relations. Don't see what you are looking for? Use the search feature at the top of the page.
Oak Park operates under the village manager form of government. A part-time, elected legislative body of a president and six trustees hires a professional manager to oversee the day-to-day administration of government programs and services.
Oak Park boasts excellent schools, world class architecture, shopping, dining and an extensive public transportation network. But Oak Park is more than a place – it also is a way of life. Use the links in this menu to learn more about our community and the many services available to residents and visitors alike.
Here are links to some of the most popular items on the Village web site.
Here are links to some of the most popular items on the Village web site.
July 14, 2016 – After nearly 33 years on the force, Police Chief Rick C. Tanksley has announced his retirement, effective Sept. 1.
“Chief Tanksley has given the community many, many years of loyal service and for that we are grateful,” said Village Manager Cara Pavlicek. “Given Rick’s tenure with the Oak Park Police Department, I have always known his retirement was possible at any time. The position of Chief of Police is demanding and Rick’s background in social work allowed him to relate to the public in a meaningful way. He has continued to advocate for Oak Park’s community oriented policing strategies and that impact has been profound here. He will be missed.”
In announcing his decision Tanksley said, “Choosing to retire from the Oak Park Police Department was one of the toughest decisions of my career. Working for the Village is so much more than a job. Oak Park is my hometown and the character of the community is part of who I am. But there comes a time in everyone’s life when change is necessary not only for my own personal and professional growth, but for the organization as well. That time for me is now.
“I will miss the job. I will miss my colleagues, both in the Police Department and the Village. But most of all, I will miss the people of Oak Park with whom I have had so many rewarding interactions – often under some pretty trying circumstances. I know I will never be able to recreate such a unique experience, but I am content to leave that opportunity to those who follow me in pursuing a career with the Oak Park Police Department.”
As for what he will do after retiring, Tanksley said he still is weighing his options.
“I hope to have an opportunity to take what I have learned during a long and rewarding career in Oak Park and share it with other law enforcement agencies that may be struggling with many of the same challenges that shaped our community’s reputation for tolerance and acceptance and the police department’s reputation of treating people with dignity and respect,” he said. “The factors that made Oak Park different in many ways did not happen by accident. Perhaps, I can find a way where others can benefit from the Oak Park perspective.”
Tanksley joined the Oak Park Police Department as a patrol officer in 1984. He quickly rose through the ranks to sergeant and commander, before becoming deputy chief in 1993. He was named police chief in 2001, succeeding Joseph M. Mendrick who retired after 35 years with the Oak Park Police Department.
Tanksley was appointed Chief by Village Manager Carl Swenson. He is Oak Park’s 11th Police Chief.
A decision regarding selecting his successor could come as early as next week, Pavlicek said.
Chief Rick C. Tanksley
