Will County Gazette

The Village of Park Forest introduced two new police officers and announced the promotion of two others during a Village Board meeting held on Monday night.

Commander Haytham Elyyan, who has served with the department for nine years, was officially promoted. Elyyan joined the Park Forest Police Department in 2015 and became part of the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System Mobile Field Force Team in 2016, where he handled critical incidents throughout the region as a communications unit leader. In 2018, he transitioned to the Investigations Division as a detective, focusing on complex criminal cases and working with the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force. By 2021, Elyyan had completed advanced training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, becoming one of few local officers nationally certified as a forensic device examiner. He has since conducted over 100 cellphone forensic examinations for various cases and currently oversees the department’s drone program.

Elyyan was previously promoted to sergeant in 2022 and has played an active role in training new officers. 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 by his department in 2017.

Sergeant Dave Habecker also received a promotion during Monday's meeting. Habecker began his 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, handling situations such as hostage crises and high-risk warrants. Habecker has worked as both a field training officer and homeless liaison for the department, as well as serving at Homewood-Flossmoor High School as police liaison. He earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Governors State University and is recognized with several service honors including the Combat Star and Police Medal of Valor.

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

Morgan grew up in Glendale Heights, graduated from Glenbard North High School in 2017, and spent eight years working in logistics compliance before moving into law enforcement—a decision inspired by family members already serving as police officers. In addition to his professional work, Morgan enjoys traveling, staying active, and spending time with family.

Jiles attended George Westinghouse College Prep before enrolling at 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 while continuing semi-pro football pursuits, Jiles decided to enter law enforcement with an aim to strengthen community ties through mentorship initiatives. He enjoys travel, learning about other 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.