Oak Forest Police Chief To Retire After 3 Decades At Department

OAK FOREST, IL — Oak Forest Police Chief Scott Durano has announced that he will be retiring from the Oak Forest Police Department after 31 years of service. Chief Durano’s last day will be May 29.

Durano was named police chief in January 2025, following the retirement of former chief Jason Reid.

“Scott has been a tremendous asset to the police department,” said Mayor Pro Tem Jim Emmett. "He has served our community with honor, courage, and integrity, and for that, we are incredibly grateful. We wish him and his family all the best as they start this exciting new chapter together.”

Durano, who grew up in Oak Forest and served in the Marine Corps spent his entire career with the Oak Forest Police Department, climbing the ranks from patrol officer in 1995, to deputy chief of police in 2020, and finally to chief of police in 2025.

Over the years, Durano coordinated the integration of the department’s body-worn cameras with high-definition in-car cameras; implemented a secondary 911 Emergency Operations Center; administered the department’s purchasing program; and secured more than $800,000 in grant funding to support agency initiatives. Most recently, Durano obtained funding through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunities for a new 911 communications tower to enhance reliability, coordination, interoperability, and response capabilities for first responders and emergency communications.

"I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together during my three decades here," Durano said. "From my early days on patrol to my time as chief, I have witnessed this department grow in professionalism, technology and community partnership. I leave with deep gratitude for the support I have received and the lifelong friendships I have formed within the city’s leadership and the rank and file."