Village of Chesaning

The men and women of the Chesaning Police Department are the people who make this organization as great as it is. We are here to serve you. Whether you're raising a family in Chesaning or simply visiting, we want your experience to be safe and fun.

Building upon community policing, the Chesaning Police Department is committed to a policing philosophy that proactively addresses crime and the fear of crime through a shared relationship with citizens and officers in their neighborhoods.

We invite you to become involved with the Chesaning Police Department because no law enforcement agency can solve crime or quality of life issues alone. Effective police community relationships, communication and engagement are the critical components to our success.

Our department employs ranks of a Chief, Sergeant and patrol officers to meet the needs of our community.

Please take the time to learn more about our units, programs and services. Take advantage of the many opportunities to communicate with us and learn how we can work together. We look forward to serving with you. So, roll up your sleeves and join us.

Rebecca Short Chief of Police

Chief Short came began her employment with the Breckenridge Police Department after attending the police academy. Short then came to the Chesaning Police Department in 2018 as a part time officer. Short was then promoted to chief of Police for the Chesaning Police Department and began to assemble a team of highly professional officers to serve the Village of Chesaning. During the first year of Short's time as Chief, the department has hired reliable officers, improved technology and protected officer morale. Short currently serves as a firefighter for the Breckenridge Fire Department and is a certified EMT. 

Scott Conner Sergeant

Sgt. Conner began his career with the Chesaning Police Department as a Reserve Police Officer in 2014. Sgt. Conner graduated from LERTA (Law Enforcement Regional Training Academy) and was hired directly after by the Chesaning Police Dept. as a part time patrol officer, while working for the St. Charles Police Dept. and Argentine Township Police Dept. Sgt. Conner was then offered a position as a full-time police officer with the Chesaning Police Dept., in which he accepted. Sgt. Conner's drive to streamline efficiency, promote better officer health & wellbeing and his skills at administrative tasks led Chief Short to promote him to the position of Sergeant, a position in which hasn't been filled since 2007, and was severely needed. Sgt. Conner is responsible for the direct supervision of patrol officers, evidence & record management, officer training, and the daily operation of the police department as well as being the K9 Unit handler for K9 Leo. Sgt. Conner's high expectations for the officers as well as his commitment to efficiency, ensure our residents are served properly and fairly.

Zackery Ott Patrol Officer

After attending the Delta Police Academy, Officer Ott began his career with the Alma City Police Department as a patrol officer. After completing the field training officer program, he contacted the Chesaning Police Department and began his career with us. Officer Ott is currently a highly trained and license EMT and serves as our department's Field Training Officer. Ofc. Ott is currently our pistol & rifle instructor, as well as a certified MCOLES active shooter instructor.

Joel Catts Patrol Officer

 Ofc. Catts is currently employed as a part-time patrol officer for the Chesaning Police Department. Ofc. Catts currently serves as the departments CPR & first aid instructor, as well as a pistol instructor.

Stone Anderson Patrol Officer

Michael Forbes
Reserve Police Officer 
Reserve Officer Forbes has been volunteering his time with the Chesaning Police Department since 2012 and is the current longest serving member of the Reserve Division. Forbes is currently employed in the skilled trades industry, and although extremely preoccupied with his work, still enjoys helping the department when we need him. 


Gene Parker
Reserve Police Officer 
Reserve Officer Parker has been with the Chesaning Police Dept. since 2014 . Parker has an extensive military background including a total of approximately 40 years with the United States Navy, achieving the rank of Master Chief. Parker retired from the Navy, and began a career of commercial truck driving. Parker is currently employed by the Village as the Ordinance Enforcement officer and is a member of the Village of Chesaning Planning Commission, as well as serving as the school crossing guard for Fourth St. 


Brandon Thompson
Reserve Police Officer 
Reserve Officer Thompson joined the Reserve Unit in 2020 after determining he wanted to further his career by gaining first-hand knowledge of the police officer career. Thompson has previously worked at a towing and recovery company, a trucking company and is currently employed by MMR as an EMT. Thompson brings extensive medical knowledge to our department, which has been used in multiple situations since joining. Thompson is preparing himself to enter the police academy and start the next chapter of his life.