Bartlett Police Department Promotion of Detective Eric Kistler to Sergeant

BARTLETT, IL — The Bartlett Police Department officially celebrated the promotion of Detective Eric Kistler to the rank of Sergeant during Tuesday evening’s Village Board meeting.

The formal appointment was presented before the village leadership, with expressions of appreciation extended to Village President Dan Gunsteen, the Board of Trustees, and Village Administrator Paula Schumacher for their ongoing support of the police department and its personnel.

"Promotions in law enforcement are more than a recognition of time served or assignments completed," Chief Conway shared during the meeting. "They represent trust, responsibility, and the confidence that an individual possesses the leadership, judgment, and character necessary to guide others and uphold the values of this profession. Sergeant Kistler has earned that trust."

A Career of Dedicated Service

Sergeant Kistler joined the Bartlett Police Department in 2013, building a diverse career across multiple divisions over the last 13 years. His assignments have included:

• Patrol Division
• Directed Patrol Team
• Investigations Division (Serving as a Detective since 2019)

As a detective, Sgt. Kistler has managed highly complex and sensitive cases, specializing in violent crimes, juvenile justice, digital evidence, and forensic investigations.

Before his career in municipal law enforcement, Sgt. Kistler honorably served the country as a Security Forces Airman in the United States Air Force, where he first developed the foundational discipline and leadership qualities that define his policing career today.

Department leadership highlighted that Sgt. Kistler’s impact on the agency has long preceded his new stripes. He has consistently taken on critical responsibilities to improve departmental operations and mentor the next generation of law enforcement professionals, including:

• Developing and instructing internal training programs.
• Assisting with departmental policy development.
• Mentoring younger officers within the agency.
• Serving as a Class Supervisor at the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA).

Sgt. Kistler stands as one of the department's most decorated personnel. His formal recognitions include:

• Bartlett Police Officer of the Year
•  Kane County Police Officer of the Year
• Multiple Meritorious Service Awards
• Numerous Employee of the Month honors and Unit Citations

"While those honors are impressive, his greatest strength is the respect he has earned from his peers, supervisors, and those who work alongside him every day. He is dependable, and someone others naturally look to for guidance and support." - Chief Conway

The Village of Bartlett and the Bartlett Police Department extend their enthusiastic congratulations to Sergeant Kistler as he takes this next step in his leadership career.