Bio:

Matthew G. Rafferty was a First Responder and veteran police officer who has served with the Orland Fire Protection District as Chairman of the OFPD three-member Board of Commissioners since 2013.

Click here to read Matthew G. Rafferty’s candidate questionnaire at the Patch.

As Chairman of the OFPD District Board of Commissioners, Rafferty has helped develop and implement hiring practices to ensure that only the best and most qualified candidates join the Orland Fire Protection District, resulting in what is today one of the most recognized and effective Fire Districts in the nation.

As a decorated professional veteran Police Officer and First Responder, Rafferty has played a key role in ensuring that the Orland Fire Protection District has received the highest rankings in the nation.

His qualifications as a professional First Responder include: Leading teams and developing special programs to enhance investigations, crime deterrents and security efforts. That also includes leadership of 265 patrol officers, 140 Criminal Investigators, a 100-member police Task Force, overseeing 34 Detectives and Evidence Technicians and 32 officer Gang Crimes unit at high level supervisory positions. 

Among programs he has helped develop included addressing the need for NARCAN-Opioid response for communities, overseeing Special Victims Unit, conducting Major Investigations including  Accident Investigations, Public Corruption, Employee Investigations, Community Policing and Partnership programs and the Sex Offender Unit.

Maintaining direct links with the community, Rafferty has participated in Community Policing programs, Coffee with COPS, the Take a Kid fishing program, BBQ’s in the Park, Pizza with the Police, Walk and Talk in the Community, Monthly Township Meetings to exchange concerns and commitment.

 

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“It is so important that the members of the public know their First Responder so being heavily engaged in programs with direct contact with the community like these are so important to building trust and ensuring effectiveness in providing safety to the community,” Rafferty said.

 

“Preventing crimes, saving lives and ensuring public safety only come from firsthand First Responder experience.”

Rafferty also has administrative skills that will strengthen the Orland Fire Protection District’s string financial base.

He has provided Administrative & Negotiating responsibilities including $45 million dollar budget, overseeing a 700 vehicle fleet, and the purchasing of vehicles, computer systems, accessories, office equipment and furniture. He is skilled at developing effective RFP processing, and developing local village MOU agreements.

Rafferty’s recognitions include 16 Departmental Commendations, 3 Meritorious Service awards, 11 Unit Citations, recognition as Crime Fighter of the Year, Law Enforcement Award of Merit, and the Emerald Society Distinguished Services award.

Serving with the Cook County Sheriff’s Police from 1989 through 2020, Rafferty held a wide range of positions from patrol officer and gang crimes unit commander to deputy chief of patrol and investigative services. He was a member of the 100-member South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force (SSMCTF ) — Homicide Task Force — from 1998 through 2020 holding all positions from investigator through Commander and was a member of the SSMCTF Policy Board of Directors.

Rafferty also served on the Elgin Community College Criminal Justice Advisory Board and the Illinois Drug Enforcement Officers Association.  He served as a member of the bord of directors and coach with the Orland Magic Youth Baseball.

His education includes certifications and training from: Governors State University where he earned an MA and BA in Criminal Justice; Loyola School of Management where he has a Leadership Certificate; Northwestern University where he completed courses including the School of Police Staff and Command, and the Executive Management Program; Western Illinois University where attended the 21 Century Management Program; Chicago City College where he earned his Associates of Arts Degree; and Eureka College where he attended General Studies.

Currently, Rafferty works at the University of Chicago Department of Safety and Security beginning in April 2022 as Director of Campus Security Services. He manages the Contract Security Program, reviews, analyzes and deploys security to crime data driven areas in need, and ensures compliance of contract security personnel.

“My life has been dedicated to serving the public and ensuring full support for First Responders to maximize our ability to serve the public and save lives,” Rafferty said.

“During my more than 10 years with the Orland Fire Protection District’s Board of Commissioners I have applied that vision to ensure that the Fire District has the most qualified and best trained individuals to save lives.”

Rafferty is married to his better half Carrie, for over 30 years. They have two sons one of which is an Orland Park Police Officer and the other a college student majoring in Criminal Justice.  The Rafferty’s have been residents of Orland Park for 30 years, since moving shortly after they married.

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