Following the retirement of Homewood police chief Denise McGrath on Jan. 9, Thomas Johnson was sworn in as the new chief of police at the Jan. 27 meeting. 

Johnson, former deputy chief of police of Homewood since February 2024, served for seven years at the Glenwood Police Department before joining the Homewood Police Department in 2009, Homewood Village Manager Napoleon Haney said. 

According to Haney, prior to becoming chief, Johnson served many roles, including as a detective and investigator. 

“Tom Johnson’s promotion and hiring was due in large part based on his experience, leadership skills, and commitment to public safety and community engagement,” Haney said. 

Johnson thanked the board and everyone for granting him this opportunity, and his family for their support. 

“I’m honored and humbled to be able to lead the best law enforcement agency in the South Suburbs. The foundation for success for this police department and its culture has already been constructed and fortified, which is going to make this transition very easy,” Johnson said. 

“I look forward to continuing to bring this community the greatest service that we possibly can,” Johnson said. 

Johnson was joined by his wife and four daughters, along with his mother and two brothers as he took the oath of office. 

“I can’t speak highly enough for him and I know he’s going to do a great job for us,” Trustee Patrick Siemsen said. Siemsen is chief of the Momence police department and is a former Homewood officer.