04-08-2025
Predominately Black Matteson names first African American police, fire chiefs
Matteson recently appointed the village's first African American police and fire chiefs, with both having extensive experience in the south suburbs.
Mikal Elamin, previously police chief in Chicago Heights, was sworn in as police chief last month and Derek Bryant, who had been fire chief in suburban Broadview, was sworn in as fire chief.
Nearly 80% of Matteson's population is African American, and Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin said their appointments reflect Matteson's 'continued commitment to excellence in public safety.'
The chiefs were sworn in at the Village Board's July 21 meeting.
'These outstanding industry professionals will not only enhance our regional reputation as a safe and well-rounded community, but will also create opportunities for growth, extended training, and a renewed spirit of community engagement,' the mayor said.
Bryant was fire chief in suburban Broadview since January 2024 and was that suburb's first African American fire chief. Broadview's population includes about 68% African American residents.
Bryant was also a firefighter for 22 years in Calumet City, with his retirement from that city effective the day he was sworn in as Broadview's chief.
While with Calumet City, Bryant was operations commander, and he was also a police officer in Hazel Crest from 2004 to 2021. He was the safety and security director for Bremen High School District 228 from 2004 to 2021, according to his resume.
Elamin had been with the Chicago Heights Police Department for 28 years, holding positions including deputy chief, operations commander and chief of investigations, according to his resume.
Bryant earned a master's degree in public administration from the International University. He has held a prominent role with the Chicago Black Fire Brigade, where he actively recruited young African American men and women to learn more about potential careers in fire service, according to Matteson.
Elamin holds a bachelor of science degree in administration of justice from Southern Illinois University. He also holds a certificate of completion from the Northwestern University's Staff and Command Institute.
Bryant, a Chicago resident, Bryant, specialized and has overseen upgrades, grants management and the procurement of essential fire apparatus, Matteson said in announcing the appointments.
In Broadview, he oversaw the village's fire prevention bureau, and in that role led fire code enforcement, inspection operations, plan reviews and public education initiatives, Matteson said.
In Chicago Heights, Elamin, a Flossmoor resident, set the Police Department's vision, goals and policies in alignment with legal requirements, community needs and best practices in law enforcement, Matteson officials said.
