The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is pleased to announce that its chief of police, David Pederson, has been selected to serve as president of the DuPage Chiefs of Police Association, a prestigious role he will hold through September 2025.

Chief Pederson’s appointment highlights his commitment to law enforcement excellence and collaboration among police departments across DuPage County.

“I’m honored to have this opportunity to serve as president of the DuPage Chiefs of Police Association,” said Pederson. “I look forward to working with law enforcement leaders from across DuPage County to advance our collective efforts in enhancing public safety. I’m excited to support the association’s goals and to address new challenges in the coming year.”

As president, Chief Pederson will guide discussions on key law enforcement issues. He will also work to enhance communication, cooperation, and resource-sharing among the county’s police departments. He will focus his leadership on community policing and mental health initiatives and will champion peer-to-peer counseling and community engagement efforts across the county. Chief Pederson is also committed to maintaining and improving a countywide consortium for incident reporting, which will reduce costs and promote information sharing among agencies.

Forest Preserve District executive director Karie Friling is excited about the appointment and how it will enhance safety in the forest preserves. “Chief Pederson’s tenure as president will no doubt enhance our ability to keep the forest preserves safe for everyone, ensuring visitors can continue to enjoy our natural areas with peace of mind. It’s a testament to the professionalism of the Forest Preserve District’s police force that will elevate the department’s profile within the broader law enforcement community,” she said.

Chief Pederson’s selection as president came after a nomination by the association’s executive board and a vote by its members, reflecting the trust and respect he has earned from his peers.

Chief Pederson’s extensive career in law enforcement began in 2001 as a police officer with the Forest Preserve District. He was promoted to sergeant in 2011, lieutenant in 2015, and chief of police in 2017. His educational background includes completing Northwestern’s School of Police Staff and Command in 2013 and the FBI LEEDA Leadership Trilogy in 2023. In addition to his law enforcement credentials, chief Pederson has expertise in forestry, biology, and wildlife management, which complements his role in overseeing safety within the forest preserves.

Chief Pederson has served on the executive board of the DuPage Chiefs of Police Association for several years, actively participating in the Mental Health Crisis and DuPage Justice Information System committees.

Established in 1963, the DuPage County Chiefs of Police Association is the largest organization of its kind in Illinois. Its members include chiefs, deputy chiefs, commanders, and other law enforcement leaders from local, county, state, and railway agencies. Together, they work to reduce crime, maintain public order, and enhance the quality of life for DuPage County residents and visitors. The association is committed to fostering integrity, public trust, professionalism, service, and innovative leadership.