Former police officer Patrick Sheehan appointed to Illinois House following Timothy Ozinga’s resignation

Former police officer Patrick Sheehan is the newest member of the Illinois House of Representatives after he was chosen Friday to replace Republican 37th District Rep. Tim Ozinga, who abruptly resigned.

Republican committeeman in the 37th District had 30 days to choose Ozinga’s replacement after he stepped down April 8, but decided on Sheehan just four days later. Sheehan spent 17 years as a police officer, is a former Lockport alderman and former Lockport Township Park Board member.

“I cannot wait to hit the ground running for suburban families by fighting tax hikes, keeping our communities safe, growing our economy and making a more ethical state government,” Sheehan said in a news release.

Sheehan lost to incumbent Democrat Michael Hastings by fewer than 1,000 votes in the 2022 race for Illinois Senate. In his concession letter, Sheehan thanked Ozinga for his assistance in his election and John Catanzara, the president of the Fraternal Order of Police Chicago Lodge 7.

House District 37 includes portions of Orland Hills, Homer Glen, Mokena and a portion of Lockport where Sheehan lives, according to his Facebook page.

Ozinga has not provided a reason for his departure from office. During this session, he was assigned to a variety of committees including the Housing Committee, Ethics & Elections Committee and the Clean Energy Subcommittee, according to the General Assembly website.

Ozinga and Sheehan did not respond to requests for comment.

“The Illinois House Republicans are happy to welcome Patrick as the third law enforcement officer serving in our caucus,” House Minority Leader Tony McCombie said in a news release. “With the public safety challenges our state faces, Patrick’s expertise will enhance the general assembly and help make Illinois a place where families can feel safe and succeed.”

McCombie’s office also did not respond to calls requesting comment.

hsanders@chicagotribune.com