Commissioner Mike McDowell

Commissioner of Police and Fire/Rescue

Mike McDowell is a lifelong resident of Zion and a 1978 graduate of Zion-Benton Township High School. He went on to complete undergraduate and graduate degrees, earning both an MA and PhD in Religion and Society. Mike has been married to his wife, Donna, since 1980, and together they have three children and four grandchildren.

Mike and his family lived and worked in Asia for 14 years before returning to the City of Zion in 2000. He currently serves as one of the pastors at Christ Community Church in Zion.

While studying in Chicago, Mike served as a Public Safety Officer on a college campus and had the unique opportunity to serve as a Warden for the U.S. Embassy in Manila, focusing on information and emergency preparedness.

Locally, Mike has been deeply involved in civic and community work. He has served on the boards of the Coalition for Healthy Communities and Community Resources for Education and Wellness. He also spent ten years as a Commissioner for the Zion Park District, serving part of that time as President of the Board. In addition, he has served as a Police and Fire Commissioner for the City of Zion.

Currently, Mike serves on the boards of the Family Resource Center of Zion and the Zion Historical Society. He is the President of the Zion-Benton Ministerial Association and proudly serves as Chaplain for the Zion Police Department, supporting and encouraging the city’s men and women in uniform.