Tazewell County Chief’s Association

05/22/2026

On this Memorial Day weekend, the Tazewell County Chiefs Association pauses to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.

As law enforcement leaders, we stand in solemn respect for our fallen military heroes and also remember the officers in our own ranks who have given their lives in the line of duty to protect the freedoms we hold dear. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Today, we thank the veterans in our communities, our active-duty service members, and every first responder who continues to stand watch so that others may enjoy the blessings of liberty.

We remember. We honor. We serve.

04/27/2026

We are deeply saddened to share the sudden passing of Detective Robert Vester of the East Peoria Police Department. At just 41 years of age, Detective Vester leaves behind a legacy defined by service, integrity, and unwavering commitment to his community. He was not only a dedicated law enforcement officer, but also a devoted husband and father whose loss will be felt far beyond the badge.

Detective Vester joined the East Peoria Police Department in 2017, following his service with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office. From the outset, he distinguished himself as a diligent investigator and a steadfast protector of those most in need.

Most recently, Detective Vester was recognized for Meritorious Service at the inaugural Tazewell County Chiefs Association Awards Banquet. He earned this honor through his tireless work on a complex case involving the protection of a child—one of the most vulnerable members of our community. Despite the added challenges of an out-of-state suspect, Detective Vester remained resolute. His determination and investigative skill led to the successful apprehension of the offender, preventing further harm and delivering justice where it was urgently needed. That effort stands as a clear reflection of who he was: committed, compassionate, and relentless in pursuit of what is right.

We extend our deepest condolences to Detective Vester’s family, friends, and colleagues. In this time of profound loss, we are reminded of the words of Scripture: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9). Detective Vester lived that calling each day he put on the uniform.

We also offer this prayer for comfort and strength:

Lord, we ask that You receive Your servant Robert into Your eternal care. Grant peace to his soul and comfort to those who mourn his loss. Strengthen his family in the days ahead, and surround his brothers and sisters in law enforcement with Your protection and grace. May his life of service continue to inspire all who follow in his path. Amen.

Visitation will be held at Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Recitation of the Rosary will take place at 3:30 p.m., followed by a law enforcement walkthrough at 4:00 p.m. Public visitation will continue until 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at St. Jude Catholic Church on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation that morning will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Graveside services will follow at LaPrairie Presbyterian Cemetery.

Though his watch has ended, his example endures—in every life he touched, every case he worked, and every person he protected.

God speed Detective Vester, we will take it from here.

04/09/2026

Recognition is due to the Pekin Police Department, Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office, Tazewell County Coroner’s Office, Illinois State Police, and the FBI for their unwavering commitment in bringing justice in the disappearance and murder of Robert Bee. While ten years is a long time, this case is a powerful reminder that true justice is often the result of persistence, professionalism, and an unwavering attention to detail. The dedication shown by every agency involved reflects the very best of the law enforcement profession. Job well done to all who stayed the course and never gave up!

https://www.wcbu.org/local-news/2026-04-08/suspect-arrested-charged-nearly-a-decade-after-pekin-teens-murder?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook&fbclid=IwRlRTSARDyxlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeZwA8GUPoyaAKI1uNPBe1LTwKL3J87iPVNusI06JN0QgxaLENIgdnLdIKjY8_aem_C6CyZNq21Hk1mqS08-dxZQ

Pekin Police Chief Seth Ranney announced Wednesday his department arrested Keith Brackett, 48, in connection with the death of Robert Bee Jr., a 13-year-old boy who was reported missing in 2016.

04/07/2026

Good Morning

HB 5733 effects police agencies regarding Freedom Of Information. Be sure to contact your representative if you have concerns. The synopsis provided states:

Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that records containing law enforcement in-car camera and officer-worn body camera video and audio recordings that a public body received from another public body are exempt from inspection or copying under the Act. Provides that records concerning the work of the threat assessment team of a law enforcement agency are exempt from inspection or copying under the Act. Provides that criminal history records are exempt from inspection or copying under the Act. Provides that personal and private information submitted to and maintained by the Illinois State Police under the Criminal Identification Act is exempt from inspection or copying under the Act. Provides that, if a public body received more than 1,000 requests under the Act in the preceding year, then (i) the public body shall either comply with or deny a request for a record that includes video records within 30 business days (rather than 5 business days) after its receipt of the request and (ii) the time for response to any request the public body receives may be extended by not more than 10 business days (rather than 5 business days) from the original due date for specified reasons. Provides that, if a request is made for an audio or video file that is maintained in an electronic format, then the public body may not charge for the first 60 minutes of staff time to prepare the response, including conducting necessary research regarding the request, as well as locating, collecting, reviewing, and redacting any responsive audio or video files. Provides that, after the first 60 minutes of staff time, the public body may charge the preparation costs of the public body's lowest paid staff member employed in a position that performs the work to prepare the response (rather than charging specified dollar amounts for specified megabytes of data). Makes technical and other changes. Effective January 1, 2027.

03/29/2026

SCAM ALERT – PEKIN AREA

The Pekin Police Department has received multiple reports of suspicious notices being left on residents’ front doors claiming a property has been deemed “vacant/abandoned.”

These notices state that the mortgage servicer “MCS” may change locks or winterize the property and urge you to call a phone number listed on the form.

This is a scam!
If you receive one of these notices:
• Do NOT call the number provided
• Do NOT provide any personal or financial information
• Do NOT allow anyone access to your home

These notices are not legitimate and are being used to target homeowners.

***Reminder: If there are ever legitimate concerns about your property, you will be contacted through official and verifiable channels, not a random notice on your door.

-Pekin Police

03/29/2026

03/29/2026

As we continue to serve and protect our communities across Tazewell County, it is critical that we remain engaged and informed on legislative developments coming out of Springfield that will directly impact our profession.

Several proposed and pending Illinois bills this session are worth close attention:

• Updates to the Illinois Police Training Act expanding mandatory training requirements

• Additional expectations for emergency medical response capabilities in the field

• Continued movement toward regulation of emerging technologies such as facial recognition

• Increased reporting requirements surrounding hate crimes and bias-related incidents

• Expanded compliance and transparency measures tied to agency operations

Taken together, these initiatives reinforce a clear trend: increased training standards, expanded reporting obligations, and heightened accountability.

As chiefs, it is our responsibility to stay ahead of these changes, ensure our departments are prepared, and engage in the legislative process where appropriate.

I strongly encourage each agency to maintain direct communication with our legislative delegation:

Illinois State Representatives (serving Tazewell County):

• Rep. Travis Weaver (93rd District) – (309) 270-6149

• Rep. Sharon Chung (91st District) – (309) 808-2351

• Rep. Dennis Tipsword (105th District) – (815) 844-9344

• Rep. Bill Hauter (87th District) – (309) 819-8701 

Illinois State Senators:

• Sen. David Koehler (46th District) – (309) 677-0120

• Sen. Sally Turner (44th District) – (217) 651-8291

• Sen. Chris Balkema (53rd District) – (815) 641-0086 

Federal Delegation:

• Congressman Darin LaHood – (309) 671-7027
• Senator Dick Durbin – (217) 492-4062
• Senator Tammy Duckworth – (217) 528-6124 

Engagement matters. These offices rely on input from law enforcement leaders to understand the real-world impact of legislation before it becomes law.

I encourage all members of the Tazewell County Chiefs Association to monitor these proposals closely, communicate with our elected officials, and continue sharing insight across our agencies.

Our collective voice carries weight—let’s ensure it is heard.

Stay safe and continue the outstanding work being done across Tazewell County.

03/09/2026

Reminder to all Tazewell County Chief members. The next meeting is Thursday March 19th at 11:30. Location is the Tazewell County Justice center.

02/23/2026

Welcome to the Tazewell County Chief’s Association. On this page we hope to generate positive conversation as it applies to the law enforcement agencies in Tazewell County Illinois.