Chief James R. Black, new board sworn in May 1as ILACP Board of Officers for 2020-2021May 1, 2020
“I am excited about what the future may hold for the association and our profession,” Black said. “Never in my wildest imagination did I ever think we would be policing during a global pandemic. In the blink of an eye we went from fighting crime to fighting our lawmakers over recreational cannabis use to fighting an invisible enemy. For this, I can’t thank the men and women on the front lines enough for their courage and perseverance during these troubled times.” Black will lead the 1,200-member association and a nine-person Board of Officers. The associations provides professional development for chiefs and command staff and advocates for issues important to Illinois law enforcement. Black announced three goals for the association during his presidency:
Black began his career in 1988 with the Downers Grove Police Department. He retired from Downers Grove in January 2013 as Deputy Chief to accept the Chief of Police position for the City of Crystal Lake. His educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Criminal/Social Justice from Lewis University in Romeoville. He is a graduate of Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command, a graduate of the 235th Session of the FBI National Academy, and a graduate of the 75th Session of FBI LEEDS. Chief Black has served on the ILACP Board of Officers, the Executive Board, the ILACP Constitution and Bylaws Committee as Chairman, the McHenry County Chiefs of Police Association Executive Board, and the North East Multi-Regional Training (MTU #3) Finance and Audit Committee. “It is unknown when will get back to normal or whatever the new normal will be as a result of COVID 19 and its effects on our cities, our economy, and our officers,” Black said. “Whatever that new normal may be, remember to take care of yourselves, take care of your family, take care of your officers, and take care of your communities.” Black has been married for 30 years to his wife, Kim, and they have two children. Other members of the Board of Officers for 2020-2021 sworn in today:
“It is very much worth noting that Chief King will be the first woman on the ILACP Board of Officers in the association’s 79-year history,” said Ed Wojcicki, ILACP executive director. King was elected this week by the membership and is in line to become the first woman ILACP president. That would happen in April 2023. # # # |
CRYSTAL LAKE – Crystal Lake Police Chief James R. Black was installed as 72nd president of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police on Friday, May 1, in a small ceremony in the Crystal Lake City Hall. Judge Justin Hansen administered to oath of office. The installation would have taken place Friday night in Oak Brook at the conclusion of the association’s Annual Conference, but it was cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis. Black will become the association’s second president from McHenry County. The first was then-Algonquin Chief Russell Laine in 2000. Black succeeds Chief Steven Stelter of Indian Head Park in a one-year term.