Following the promotion of Thomas Johnson to Homewood police chief, two officers were promoted to fill open positions. Detective James Strayer was promoted to police sergeant, and Sgt. Steven Brandenburger was promoted to deputy chief of police. Both took the oath of office at the March 24 village board meeting. 

According to Johnson, Brandenburger’s promotion created a vacancy for the sergeant position. Strayer was selected as the next eligible officer to fulfill that role, which was approved by the Board of Fire & Police Commissioners on Feb. 17. 

Strayer has been with the Homewood Police Department since March 3, 2008, serving as a patrol and tactical officer, detective, field training officer and acting watch commander, Johnson said. 

Prior to joining the Homewood department, Strayer worked for the Harvey and Hazel Crest Police Departments. He attended Harold Washington College and completed the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety’s Supervision of Police Personnel course, Johnson said. 

Brandenburger had been selected to take on the vacant position of deputy chief of police as of Feb. 9. 

Brandenburger started his career with the Homewood Police Department on Nov. 29, 2010, and was promoted to the rank of sergeant on April 26, 2021. 

Brandenburger has served as a patrol and tactical officer, homeland security narcotics task force officer and patrol sergeant, and recently as detective sergeant. He has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Governors State University, and graduated from Northwestern Center for Public Safety, School of Police Staff and Command, Johnson said. 

Strayer and Brandenburger were officially sworn in for their new positions before friends and family at the meeting.