Chief Michael Saunders Named 2025 Citizen of the Year

The Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Evergreen Park Police Chief Michael Saunders as the 2025 Citizen of the Year. Chief Saunders was honored during our Holiday Luncheon on December 19 for his exceptional career in law enforcement and his profound dedication to our community.

Chief Saunders has served as Chief of Police for the Village of Evergreen Park since 2000, leading the department with integrity, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to public safety. His career, which began as an Auxiliary Police Officer in 1976, reflects nearly five decades of service and advancement through every rank, including Lock-Up Officer, Patrol Officer, Tactical Undercover Officer, Detective, Sergeant and Unit Supervisor of the Tactical Unit, Lieutenant, and Detective Division Commander.

In addition to his leadership within Evergreen Park, Chief Saunders has been deeply involved in regional law enforcement efforts, including:

• Executive Board Member, South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force
• President, Cook County Fifth District Police Association
• Co-Founder and Chairman, Cook County Fifth District SWAT Team

Chief Saunders is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia — one of the most prestigious executive law enforcement training programs in the country — and is an active member of the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Training Association.

The Citizen of the Year award honors individuals who have made a lasting, positive impact on Evergreen Park. Chief Saunders’ decades of service, regional leadership, and commitment to protecting our community exemplify the very best of public service.

We congratulate Chief Saunders on this well-deserved recognition and thank him for his extraordinary contributions to Evergreen Park.