Dennis L. Murrin Jr. is a third generation Lansing Police Officer. His grandfather retired as a Captain in 1984, and his father retired as a Lieutenant in 1998. In addition, his uncle, Martin S. Murrin, a Joliet Police Officer was killed in the line of duty on September 12, 1984.

In 1985, at the age of 16, Chief Murrin joined the Lansing Police Cadet Program, which would become one of the most rewarding experiences of his life and career. He would rise through the Cadet ranks to serve as a Lieutenant and then Cadet Captain, as well as serve as a part-time Telecommunicator. Following his experience as a Police Cadet he went on to become a Reserve Officer and Full-time Telecommunicator.

In 1991 Chief Murrin was appointed as a full-time Police Officer, graduating from the Illinois State Police Academy the same year. During his tenure with the Lansing Police Department’s Patrol Division he has served in the following capacity: Patrol Officer/Paramedic, Evidence Technician, Gang Specialist, Tactical Officer and Field Training Officer. During this time period he was chosen to represent the Lansing Police Department at the Illinois State Police Academy supervising and mentoring new police recruits.

In August 1996 Chief Murrin was selected for assignment to the Criminal Investigations Division as an Investigator/Juvenile Officer. He additionally served as both an Asset Forfeiture and Internal Affairs Investigator. In 2001 he was promoted to the rank of Detective Sergeant, overseeing the investigative, juvenile, drug and tactical units. 

In 2005, he was transferred to supervise the Record Division and its personnel. In addition he was in charge of the IT technology, and spearheaded an effort to update technology; including new laptop computers and mobile network for the patrol vehicles. In July 2008 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, returned to the patrol division as a watch commander, where he served until his appointment as Chief of Police in May 2009.

Chief Murrin is a graduate of South Suburban College and holds a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from Calumet College. He is a graduate of the prestigious Northwest University School of Police Staff & Command.