Former director of public safety Van Hook assumes role on O’Fallon City Council

After a decorated 30-year career as a police officer — including eight years as the O’Fallon director of public safety — Eric Van Hook is on to his next chapter as the new Ward 7 alderman.

He was sworn in Monday, Aug. 1, filling the seat of Dan Witt, who died June 12. Witt was re-elected in 2021, and his term expires in 2025.

“I feel blessed to have this opportunity,” Van Hook said after being appointed.

Van Hook said one reason he applied for the position was Witt, saying he was fortunate to know Dan through his work with the city.

“He always had a smile on his face. He was very proud of this city,” Van Hook said.

In a separate discussion, Van Hook complimented Witt’s devotion.

“Councilperson Dan Witt did a great job of representing Ward 7. His passion for not just Ward 7 — but for the entire city — did not go unnoticed. I plan to do everything in my power to carry on Dan’s passion and commitment to Ward 7 and the city of O’Fallon. I am also fortunate to have a great partner, Councilperson Nathan Parchman, to serve with in Ward 7,” he said.

“Throughout my time as the director of public safety, I had the privilege of working closely with the council on various projects and had a great respect for their commitment to the city of O’Fallon,” he said.

Van Hook said that when he retired in November 2021, he offered his services so he could continue to be involved.

“I told Mayor Roach that I love this community and will always make myself available if I could ever be of assistance,” he said.

Van Hook and his wife, Laura, have four grown children. They remained in O’Fallon, and he became a real estate agent this past spring. He continues to be involved in the Rotary Club (16-year member) and other charitable and civic organizations.

“My wife, Laura, sacrificed a lot to support me throughout my law enforcement career, so I wanted to ensure she was on board for me to possibly get back into public service. Without hesitation she told me I needed to express my interest in the open position on the council,” he said.

In announcing the appointment, Mayor Herb Roach said Van Hook brings many qualities to the council.

“Some of the strengths that he will add to our very good council: knowledge of the city, knowledge of city government, management experience, city budget experience, very good communication skills, superior knowledge of public safety, strong desire to serve the citizens of O’Fallon,” Roach said.

“We were very fortunate to have six very good candidates to choose from. Each of them would have brought something positive to the council,” he said.

“Van Hook also has established a great deal of credibility and trust throughout the community and has an unwavering dedication to the well-being of our community,” Roach told the BND.

Nathan Parchman, who has represented Ward 7 since 2019, said it was a “pleasant surprise” to see Van Hook’s name as the appointee.

“I am excited to work again with Van Hook,” Parchman said. “He is level-headed and easy-going. As chief, he never took sides politically. He was non-political. He had to be. He will be a good addition.”

Van Hook’s Law Enforcement Career

When he retired Nov. 11, 2021, many kind words had been said about Van Hook, noting how he worked hard, was professional, innovative, and public-focused.

The community room in the Public Safety building was dedicated in his honor: The Chief Eric Van Hook Community Room.

“Chief Van Hook has shown a commitment to community engagement, officer/employee wellness and safety, increasing diversity in the organization, and improving relationships with all of community. He is a visionary who leads by example. We will miss his leadership, his friendship, his humility, his vision, and his humor,” Roach said at the ceremony.

While he was appreciative of the kind sentiments, Van Hook acknowledged he achieved things because of teamwork with the city, the police force, department, commission, his family, and those he worked with before.

Van Hook’s storied career

He started as an eager young patrolman Aug. 20, 1990. He said his first superior, Don Slazinik, taught him the importance of community.

Slazinik guided him from being an undercover narcotics cop to serving parents and teenagers as a DARE officer.

“As a DARE officer, I was able to build relationships with schools, students, and parents. I found out one of the best assets to being a police officer is outreach,” he said.

Over the years, Van Hook served in many roles, including detective, detective sergeant, lieutenant, and captain before becoming police chief in Collinsville in September 2012. After serving for 14 months, he returned to O’Fallon as the director of public safety and police chief.

More Van Hook accolades

In 2019, he was selected as the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police “Police Chief of the Year.” Over the years, Van Hook has been an Officer of the Year, and received the Medal of Merit, the Southern Illinois Chiefs of Police Unit Citation Award, and multiple Chief’s Commendations for Community Service.

In his work with the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, he had advanced through the ranks to deputy commander.

In his resignation letter, he wrote: “The decision to retire has been exceedingly difficult because I love what I do, I love this department and this city. But it’s time to move on to the next chapter of my life.”