The Village of Glen Ellyn has promoted longtime police officer Andrew Downey to deputy chief of police, recognizing a career devoted to the community he has served for more than 23 years.

Downey succeeds Kurt Vavra, who recently retired as deputy chief, and steps into the leadership role after serving as a commander since 2022.

His career with the Glen Ellyn Police Department began in 2003 as a patrol officer, and he advanced to sergeant in 2016 before taking on broader command responsibilities.

Throughout his time with the department, Downey has worked on the policies, training programs and recruitment practices that help shape daily police operations.

As commander, he helped the department meet state law enforcement training requirements, including those connected with Illinois' SAFE-T Act, while supporting updates to internal procedures.

His preparation for senior leadership also includes a bachelor's degree in law enforcement and justice administration from Western Illinois University and a master's degree in organizational leadership from Lewis University.

Downey has completed the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association leadership series, along with police staff and executive management programs at Northwestern University.

The promotion marks a new chapter in a career spent entirely in Glen Ellyn law enforcement, with a focus on continuity, department personnel and community service.

In a statement announcing his promotion, Downey expressed gratitude for the opportunity and said he looks forward to supporting fellow officers and helping guide the department into the future.

For Glen Ellyn residents, the appointment places an experienced local leader in the department's second-highest position, with years of familiarity with the village and its police services.

The Lombard Lilac Ledger congratulates Deputy Chief Downey on this career milestone and thanks him for his continuing service to Glen Ellyn.