ILACP PUBLIC OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR 

Springfield, IL - It is the policy of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP) to recognize outstanding contributions made by prominent officials that benefit this association, law enforcement, and the criminal justice system. This recognition is called the Public Official of the Year Award. 

Nominees for this award must meet minimum criteria as set forth in policies of the ILACP. These include: any elected or appointed federal or state official from executive, judicial or legislative branches of government (could include staff as well as elected officials) will be eligible; nominees may be from any region of Illinois; nominees must have exhibited knowledge and understanding of law enforcement concerns as they relate to state or federal legislation; nominees  must  have  demonstrated  exceptional  efforts  by  sponsoring  and/or  supporting legislation of importance to law enforcement in Illinois and in the best interest of the ILACP membership; nominees must have worked to find legislative solutions to law enforcement concerns where necessary, whether through negotiation or outspoken support. 

Nominations shall be submitted by ILACP members each year. The ILACP Legislative Committee members review and recommend award recipients to the ILACP Board of Officers, who shall further review and make recommendations to the ILACP Executive Board for final approval. The selected recipient(s) shall be notified of the decision and a formal presentation shall be made early in the following year. 

Selected recipients for accomplishments during 2011 are State Representative Michael Unes of Pekin  (91st   District)  and  State Representative Anthony  DeLuca  of  Crete  (80th   District).  A reception to honor all members of the 97th  Illinois General Assembly and at which the formal presentation of the Public Official of the Year Award shall be presented will be Thursday evening, March 22, 2012,  at the Sangamo Club in Springfield. 

R.T. Finney, President of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, offers this comment regarding the Award: 

“Representative Michael Unes and Representative Anthony DeLuca have shown highest levels of concern for the well being of the citizens of Illinois. Each has supported common sense legislation and public safety initiatives for all residents of this state. Because of their individual efforts, they are being recognized as the 2011 Public Officials of the Year by the Legislative Committee of the Illinois Chiefs of Police and confirmed by its Executive Board for this honor.”