Dan Ensing began serving as 5th Ward alderman in May 2011.  As an alderman, Dan will work toward creating a vibrant business community and cultivating a safe environment for residents to live and play in.   Dan believes his previous work on the city's Planning and Zoning Commission (1996 to 2000) will be a valuable asset as he works toward his goals. 

In addition to his city responsibilities, Dan enjoys coaching local youth sports teams, including the Oak Forest Raiders (football), Oak Forest Warriors (wrestling,) and Oak Forest Baseball.  In his spare time, Dan trains and competes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which he has studied for the past six years. 

Dan has eight years of experience in law enforcement and currently serves as an organized retail crime investigator for Dominick's Finer Foods.  He also is a founding member and executive board member of the Regional Organized Crime Task Force of the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. 

Dan, who grew up in the Gingerwood subdivision, has lived in the 5th Ward for the past 10 years with his wife, Babette, and their children, Collin and Riley.