Kenilworth police chief will retire in Sept. after three decades with village

Kenilworth Police Chief Bryan Carlson is hanging up his hat.

Carlson announced Monday, July 21, at Kenilworth’s Village Council Meeting that he will be stepping down from his post effective Tuesday, Sept. 2.

“Serving this community since September 1 of 1995 and leading the dedicated men and women of this department has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” he said.

Carlson was sworn in as Kenilworth’s police chief just over two years ago, on Feb. 23, 2023, following the retirement of David Miller in 2022. Before then, Carlson worked his way up the ranks in the Kenilworth Police Department for 27 years.

September will mark 30 years in the KPD for Carlson. Since its first officer was hired in 1911, only six officers — including Carlson — have put in that many years, according to village officials.

In his speech on Monday, Carlson thanked the Village leadership and staff, his fellow officers and community members.

While he said he is sad to leave, he looks forward to spending more time with his family, whom he said has taken a backseat to his work for many years.

“This decision was not made lightly,” Carlson said. “Law enforcement is not just a profession, it’s a call, and stepping away is both emotional and reflective.”

Following Carlson’s address, Village President Cecily Kaz thanked Carlson for his commitment to the Village and the relationships he’s made with both staff and residents over the years.

Despite Carlson’s departure, he said he will remain available to ensure a smooth transition and assist with onboarding.

Kaz said that at its August meeting the Village Board will consider the appointment of Sgt. Don Silva as active police chief. The process to hire a permanent police chief has not yet been determined.

Silva has served the KPD since September 2023. He has 26 years of experience as patrol commander and operations commander in Oak Park.

“I retire with pride in what we have accomplished here together and with confidence in the future of this department,” Carlson said.

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