During his 30-year career with the Forest Park [Illinois] Police Department, Tom Aftanas served his community as a patrol officer, field training officer, evidence technician, tactical officer, sergeant, patrol sergeant detective sergeant, deputy chief and chief. He held the latter role from 2015 until he retired in 2021.

Aftanas’ educational background includes earning his bachelor’s degree in administration of justice from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and graduating from the Northwestern School of Police Staff & Command (SPSC) and the FBI National Academy.

Aftanas now shares insight from those experiences as a sergeant with BRC’s Police Department. He oversees three officers along with related administrative responsibilities. Training is a central focus of the role and one that he views as critical to maintaining professional standards.

Aftanas works closely with Sergeant Mike Perry to develop and deliver training for the Belt’s police officers. Together, they’re building a curriculum that seeks to meet Illinois’ requirements and receive state approval. Topics include de-escalation techniques and moral and ethical decision-making.

By offering in-house training, the department can improve access and flexibility, as state-led programs can fill up quickly. Aftanas says he’s confident in the partnership, noting Perry’s teaching experience at the Illinois State Police Academy.