Michael DeVries Appointed As New Police Chief

DeVries has 22 years of law enforcement experience with the Village and has served as Deputy Chief since 2018.

Throughout his career, Chief DeVries has served in a variety of leadership roles including Deputy Chief, Lieutenant of Investigations, Lieutenant of Operations, Detective Sergeant, and Patrol Sergeant.  

In 2012, he earned a Master of Science in Public Safety Administration from Lewis University in addition to a Master of Science in Management and Organizational Behavior and a Bachelor of Arts in Management from Benedictine University. DeVries also graduated from the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command and the FBI National Academy in Quantico,Virginia. He also holds a Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security from Michigan State University.

"Mike has a great deal of experience in every facet of the police department," Village Manager Fieldman said. "He is a proven leader in managing both the technical and interpersonal aspects of modern policing and is committed to upholding the tenets of procedural justice; fairness, transparency, and impartiality expected by our community." 

"It's a great honor to be selected as Downers Grove's Police Chief. I look forward to leading the department's dedicated team of professionals to serve everyone in our community with dignity and respect," Chief DeVries said. 

Michael DeVries will be filling the position now held by Chief Shanon Gillette who is retiring. The appointment of Chief DeVries is effective January 7, 2023.