South Cook News

The Village of Park Forest has added two new officers to its police department and promoted two current members during a recent Village Board meeting.

Commander Haytham Elyyan, who has been with the department for nine years, was officially promoted. Elyyan joined the Park Forest Police Department in 2015 and began serving on the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System Mobile Field Force Team in 2016. In this role, he responded to critical incidents across the region and led communications efforts.

In 2018, Elyyan became a detective in the Investigations Division. He worked on complex criminal cases, executed search warrants related to narcotics investigations, and participated in the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force. In 2021, he completed advanced training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and became a certified forensic device examiner—one of few local law enforcement officers nationwide selected for this program. Since then, Elyyan has conducted over 100 cellphone forensic examinations for cases such as identity theft and homicide. He also oversees the department’s drone program.

Elyyan was promoted to sergeant in 2022 and has trained many new officers as a field training officer. He holds a master’s degree in public service administration from Calumet College of St. Joseph and has received more than 20 outstanding service awards, five meritorious awards, and was named Officer of the Year in 2017.

Sergeant Dave Habecker was also promoted during Monday's meeting. Habecker started his law enforcement career with Chicago Heights Police Department in 2005 before joining Park Forest Police Department in 2008. He completed basic SWAT training in 2010 and joined the South Suburban Emergency Response Team where he responded to hostage situations, barricaded subjects, and high-risk warrant operations.

Habecker has served as a field training officer, homeless liaison for the department, and as police liaison at Homewood-Flossmoor High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Governors State University. His honors include several service awards such as the Combat Star and Police Medal of Valor—the highest award given by the department.

The Village welcomed two new officers: Dartanyian Morgan and Devonte Jiles.

Morgan grew up in Glendale Heights and graduated from Glenbard North High School in 2017. Before joining law enforcement, he spent eight years working in logistics with an emphasis on compliance work. Inspired by family members who serve or have served as police officers, Morgan decided to pursue policing to contribute positively to his community.

Jiles is a graduate of George Westinghouse College Prep who attended Millikin University where he played football and joined Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., volunteering through Brothers Moving Forward to mentor youth at YMCA programs. After returning home to support his family, Jiles continued playing semi-pro football before starting his law enforcement career. According to Jiles: "I am committed to strengthening community relationships through mentorship and deterrence." Outside work he enjoys traveling, learning about different cultures, and follows Baltimore Ravens football closely.

All four officers were sworn into their positions during Monday night’s board meeting attended by their families and community members.