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 21, 2016 – Village Manager Cara Pavlicek announced today that she has selected Oak Park Police veteran Anthony Ambrose as the new Chief of Police.
Ambrose, who has served as Deputy Police Chief since 2005, will succeed Rick C. Tanksley who announced last week that he will retire on Sept. 1 after nearly 33 years on the force.
“Tony Ambrose brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience with Oak Park to this position at a time when I believe continuity and hands-on knowledge of the Police Department is critical,” Pavlicek said. “Tony has an established working relationship with community groups and citizens, which makes him the ideal candidate to be our new chief.”
Pavlicek noted that Ambrose’s promotion to Chief also will mean a door will open for additional promotions to senior command positions within the organization, which will advance long-term succession plans in the Oak Park Police Department.
“Creating a succession plan that will allow us to always look first within the organization is as important to me as the fact that Tony’s experience means no operational learning curve. He knows and understands the nuances of the daily law enforcement work of the more than 110 sworn police officers who serve Oak Park. Promoting him to Chief will mean a seamless transfer of leadership responsibilities,” she said.
Ambrose called his appointment the “pinnacle of his law enforcement career.”
“I have dedicated my professional life to the Village of Oak Park. The opportunity to become Chief of Police here is one I have worked toward and am excited to take on,” he said. “Oak Park is a special community and its Police force is unique as well. I am looking forward to continuing the community oriented approach to policing that has created a true partnership between Oak Park residents and the officers who serve and protect them.”
Ambrose, who joined the Oak Police Department in April 1984 as a patrol officer, has experience in all aspects of department operations. As deputy chief, his responsibilities have focused on administration, including budgeting and training, while also providing highly complex administrative support to Chief Tanksley and Manager Pavlicek.
Prior to his role in administration, Ambrose oversaw the Department’s community policing operations, including the residential beat officer program that includes assigning officers to specific neighborhoods, stationing resource officers in the middle and high schools, and co-sponsoring safety programs through neighborhood meetings.
Ambrose holds a master’s degree in criminal justice from Lewis University in Lockport and a bachelor’s degree in political science from DePaul University in Chicago. He also has certificates from a wide range of specialized training, including through the FBI and various police-related and professional management organizations. In addition, he is certified by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.
Details on Ambrose's official swearing-in ceremony will be announced when they are finalized.
Anthony Ambrose
