Gurnee – The Village of Gurnee has appointed Jeremy Gaughan as the new Chief of Police for the Gurnee Police Department. Chief Gaughan was officially sworn in during the Village Board Meeting on December 1, 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter of leadership for the department.

With more than 25 years of law enforcement experience, Chief Gaughan has served the Gurnee community since 2002. His career includes service as Deputy Chief of Operations, Commander of Investigations, Patrol Sergeant, and Investigator with the Lake County Major Crime Task Force.

Throughout his tenure, Chief Gaughan has earned national and international recognition, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police “40 Under 40” Award, the NAPO Top Cop Award, the Gurnee Police Community Impact Pillar Award, and the Gurnee Police Medal of Honor.

In addition to his police leadership, Chief Gaughan brings a distinguished 22-year military background in the U.S. Army Reserves. He completed two deployments to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom—first as a Man-Portable Air Defense System Crewmember and later as a Counterintelligence Special Agent. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy and retired in 2019 as Group Sergeant Major for the 3100th Strategic Intelligence Group out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia. His military honors include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, and the Combat Action Badge.

A strong advocate for professional development, Chief Gaughan holds a Master of Public Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Administration and Management, and has completed multiple executive leadership programs through Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety.

"Chief Gaughan is a proven leader whose experience, character, and dedication make him the right person to guide the Gurnee Police Department forward," said Mayor Hood. "His commitment to accountability, professionalism, and community partnerships reflects exactly what our residents expect and deserve."

In his new role, Chief Gaughan will also represent the department on the Executive Boards for Lake County COaST, Protect Lake County, the Northwest Police Academy, and the Northeastern Illinois Regional Crime Lab.