The Village of Park Forest welcomed two new police officers and celebrated the promotion of two others during Monday night’s Village Board meeting.
Commander Haytham Elyyan, a nine-year veteran of the department, was officially promoted after a career marked by investigative work, regional service, and advanced forensic training. Elyyan joined the Park Forest Police Department in 2015 and was selected the following year to serve on the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System Mobile Field Force Team, where he responded to critical incidents throughout the region and served as communications unit leader.
In 2018, Elyyan was assigned to the Investigations Division as a detective, conducting complex criminal investigations, executing narcotics-related search warrants, and serving with the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force. In 2021, he completed advanced training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to become a certified forensic device examiner—one of the only local law enforcement officers in the country selected for the program. Since then, he has conducted more than 100 cellphone forensic examinations for cases ranging from identity theft to homicide and now oversees the department’s drone program.
Elyyan was promoted to sergeant in 2022 and has trained numerous new officers as a field training officer. He holds a master’s degree in public service administration from Calumet College of St. Joseph and is the recipient of more than 20 outstanding service awards, five meritorious awards, and was named the department’s 2017 Officer of the Year.
Sergeant Dave Habecker, a 17-year Park Forest officer, was also promoted Monday. Habecker began his law enforcement career in 2005 with the Chicago Heights Police Department, before joining the Park Forest Police Department in 2008. In 2010, he completed basic SWAT training and joined the South Suburban Emergency Response Team, responding to hostage situations, barricaded subjects, and high-risk warrant operations.
Habecker has served as a field training officer, the department’s homeless liaison, and as a longtime police liaison at Homewood-Flossmoor High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Governors State University and is the recipient of numerous service awards, including the Combat Star and the Police Medal of Valor, the department’s highest honor.
The Village also welcomed two new officers: Dartanyian Morgan and Devonte Jiles.
Morgan, raised in Glendale Heights and a 2017 graduate of Glenbard North High School, previously worked for eight years in logistics, specializing in compliance. Inspired by family members in law enforcement, he pursued policing to serve a greater purpose in his community. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, staying active, and spending time with family.
Jiles, a graduate of George Westinghouse College Prep, attended Millikin University, where he played football and joined Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He volunteered through Brothers Moving Forward, mentoring youth in YMCA programs. After returning home to support his family, Jiles continued playing semi-pro football before pursuing a career in law enforcement. He said he is committed to strengthening community relationships through mentorship and deterrence. Jiles enjoys traveling, learning about other cultures, and is an avid Baltimore Ravens fan.
All four officers were sworn in during Monday night's board meeting as their family and the community looked on.
