Chambana Sun

Champaign Police Deputy Chief Geoff Coon has announced his retirement after over 26 years of service to the City of Champaign. Coon, who graduated from the University of Illinois in 1998, will conclude his tenure with the Champaign Police Department (CPD) on Friday, January 10, 2025.

“Geoff Coon is an exceptional officer, reflecting the highest standard of law enforcement and encouraging those around him to rise to the challenge,” said Police Chief Timothy T. Tyler. “He has managed complex units, applied for federal grants, and trained a generation of police officers to excel in their work. For that, we give our thanks.”

Coon began his career as a patrol officer in 1998 after serving six years in the Illinois Army National Guard and earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Illinois. During his time with CPD, he worked three years on CPD’s Walking Unit focusing on Problem-Oriented Policing. He also served as an inspector with the Illinois State Police Task Force Ten, dealing with complex narcotics investigations.

From 2003 to 2021, Coon held various roles including Field Training Sergeant and K9 Unit Supervisor before becoming Training Sergeant for seven years. In January 2021, he was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to the Investigations Division. He served as Interim Deputy Chief of Operational Support from December 2021 until October 2022 when he was permanently promoted.

Between 2014 and 2024, Coon was Law Enforcement Coordinator for Crime Stoppers of Champaign County. As only the third person in this role since its inception in 1986, he summarized criminal cases for reward recommendations and engaged in public speaking and media promotion for Crime Stoppers. His efforts earned him recognition as Law Enforcement Coordinator of the Year by the Illinois State Crime Stoppers Association multiple times between 2016-2019 and again in 2021 and 2023. In addition, Crime Stoppers USA named him National Coordinator of the Year in 2024.

“I am thankful for the support of my team and the opportunities for community collaboration during my 26 years of service with the Champaign Police Department,” said Coon. “I am especially proud of my time working with Crime Stoppers, an organization that does so much to help our officers solve cases and keep our community safe.”

Throughout his career, Coon completed over 2,300 hours of training and graduated from Northwestern University’s Police School of Staff and Command. His accolades include four City Employee Awards for teamwork, one for Personal Integrity, nine Department Commendations, and receiving CPD’s Medal of Valor in 2013.