Christopher Burne is set to become Montgomery’s next police chief, giving the village a new top cop with deep tactical and community-policing chops just as the community keeps growing. The U.S. Marine Corps veteran and longtime Romeoville law-enforcement leader is scheduled to be sworn in Monday at the Village Board meeting, where he will officially succeed Chief Phil Smith, who is stepping down later this month.
Official Announcement And Swearing-In
The Village of Montgomery laid out the details in a recent news release, noting that Burne’s formal swearing-in will happen during Monday’s Village Board meeting, according to the Village of Montgomery. The release confirms he will take over for Chief Phil Smith and includes family and media contact information for the incoming chief. It also highlights that residents will have chances to meet Burne at community events throughout the summer.
About Chief Burne
Burne brings more than three decades of combined military and law-enforcement experience to Montgomery. After high school, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, working in the Provost Marshal's Office and CID, then spent 26 years with the Romeoville Police Department, retiring as deputy chief after assignments in patrol, gang tactical, special operations, the detective bureau and traffic, according to Romeoville.
He also holds a master's degree in public administration, is a licensed psychophysiological detector of deception and serves as an adjunct instructor. “Chief Burne's extensive leadership experience and commitment to community policing make him an outstanding choice,” Village President Matt Brolley said, per the Village of Montgomery.
Transition At Montgomery Police Department
Chief Phil Smith has led the Montgomery Police Department since 2018, when he was appointed by the village board, according to reporting at the time by Patch. The Montgomery Police Pension Fund's July 8 agenda lists “Approve Regular Retirement Benefits – Phil Smith,” a sign that his retirement is moving through municipal processes, as shown in a public agenda document on the Village of Montgomery site.
Village leaders say they expect only a brief transition as Burne settles into the role and reviews department priorities. Residents who want to meet the new chief are encouraged to attend the Village Board meeting or look for him at summer events around town.
