Gurnee police commander elevated to deputy chief

A longtime Gurnee police officer has been promoted to deputy chief.

Brian Smith was sworn in by Mayor Kristina Kovarik as a deputy chief at Monday night's Gurnee village board meeting.

Smith, who had been a commander, will continue in his role overseeing police department operations, the village said in an announcement about his promotion.

Smith started with Gurnee police in 2000. He began working his way up the ranks with a promotions to sergeant in 2010, commander in 2014 and interim deputy chief of operations in June.

He's had a wide-ranging Gurnee police career, including evidence technician, field training officer, rapid deployment instructor and firearms instructor.

In addition, Smith has been a gang officer, department armorer for pistols and rifles, simulation instructor and honor guard member.