Eric Van Hook

Eric Van Hook was appointed to the City Council in August 2022.  Eric and his wife, Laura, have lived in O’Fallon since 1999.  They are blessed with four children and three grandchildren.  

Prior to his appointment to the Council, Eric Van Hook served as the City of O’Fallon Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police from November 26, 2013, until his retirement on November 11, 2021.  He served in law enforcement with the City of O’Fallon from 1990 – 2021.  Since his retirement, Eric obtained his real estate license and works as a broker for REMAX Preferred. 

As the Director of Public Safety, Eric managed the City of O'Fallon’s Police, EMS, and Fire Departments. During his career with the O’Fallon Police Department, he served as a D.A.R.E. Officer, Detective, Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis Deputy Commander, Detective Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police. 

During Eric’s career, he received multiple commendations and awards, highlighted with the 2019 Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police “Police Chief of the Year” and the 2022 Southern Illinois Chiefs of Police “Olympian Award” for his leadership in law enforcement. Eric served as the President of the Southern Illinois Chiefs of Police Association in 2017 and served on the Major Case Squad Executive Board until his retirement in 2021. 

Eric holds a Master of Arts in Human Resource Management from Webster University, a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Management from Sterling College and is a graduate of Class 257 of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command.

Throughout his career, Eric has been active in the community including coaching youth sports, fundraising to support the Special Olympics, the O’Fallon Rotary Club, O’Fallon Township High School Endowment Board, O’Fallon/Shiloh Chamber of Commerce, and making presentations to our schools, service clubs, and faith-based organizations.

Eric’s interest as a Council Member is rooted in his love for the City of O’Fallon.  During his 30 years of serving the community, Eric has built strong relationships with our citizens, businesses, and faith-based organizations.  As O’Fallon continues to grow residentially and commercially, he wants to ensure we are making sound decisions that are in line with the O’Fallon’s Strategic Plan.  He is committed to being “Visible and Available” for Ward 7 residents.

Contact Information:
Eric Van Hook
500 Lake Vista Way
O’Fallon, IL 62269
Phone: 618-772-3797
Email: [email protected]