Celebrating Excellence at the 2025 ILACP Awards Banquet

On April 25, 2025, the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP) gathered at the Grand Marquee Pavilion of the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort for an unforgettable evening of honor and recognition. The 2025 ILACP Awards and Installation Banquet brought together law enforcement, security professionals, community leaders, and families from across the state to celebrate the individuals and partnerships that exemplify the very best of public service.

From heartfelt tributes to fallen heroes to recognizing tomorrow’s leaders, the evening highlighted the strength and achievements of those serving within Illinois law enforcement.

Russell B. Laine Lifetime Achievement Award: Chief George Graves (Ret.)

One of the highlights of the night that brought many to tears was the recognition of retired Chief George Graves. It was no contest as the Executive Committee quickly saw that the second-ever Russell B. Laine Lifetime Achievement Award belonged to Chief Graves.

Chief Graves has been involved in law enforcement for 66 years, with nearly six decades of that time as an active ILACP member. He’s a constant professional, always striving for continuous improvements in the law enforcement profession, attends every meeting and conference, and serves on several ILACP committees. Chief Graves is always willing to share his knowledge, insight, and experience with others for the benefit of the association.

A past ILACP president and ongoing mentor, Graves’s enduring contributions include leadership roles in multiple agencies, co-founding the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy, and helping organize ILACP’s 75th anniversary gala. Additionally, he is still a strong advocate for the law enforcement profession and is actively involved in legislative issues such as the recent Social Security Fairness Act change. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of public safety professionals.

Chief of the Year: Chief Schenita Stewart, Evanston Police Department

It was a historic night during the banquet as Evanston Police Chief Schenita Stewart became the first woman to receive ILACP’s Chief of the Year honor. A 25-year veteran who started her career in Lincolnwood, she went on to lead the police department in her hometown of Evanston.

Inheriting a department grappling with staffing shortages, morale issues, and challenging police-community relations, Chief Stewart reshaped the department through her visionary leadership rooted in transparency, officer wellness, and community engagement. Stewart’s accomplishments include restoring staffing, launching specialty units like a drone team and marine unit, and strengthening ties with the community, all while maintaining a nearly two-year stretch without a homicide in the city. Celebrating this honor with Chief Stewart was Jayden Reddins, the son of Oak Park Police Detective Allan Reddins, who was killed in the line of duty last year.


Officer of the Year: Officer Carol Cadle, Carol Stream Police Department

Affectionately known as “#CrimeFreeCarol,” Officer Carol Cadle’s dedication to community outreach and crime prevention earned her this year’s James J. Wade Officer of the Year Award. From coordinating more than 100 police volunteers and community events to launching innovative programs like the Blessing Bags initiative for the homeless, Cadle’s compassionate leadership embodies the best of community policing.

 

Criminal Investigator of the Year: Detective Edgar Alba, Cicero Police Department


Detective Edgar Alba was celebrated for his extraordinary investigative work, including the successful prosecution of two notorious gang members in a high-profile homicide case. Known for his mentorship and ability to lead complex investigations, Alba was nominated for seven departmental awards in 2024 alone. Detective Alba’s exceptional dedication, investigative skill, and unwavering commitment to justice have set a high standard for excellence in law enforcement.

 

Rising Shields of Law Enforcement: Commander Kristan Kolar and Sgt. William Donato

This year's Rising Shields Award went to two dynamic up-and-coming leaders:

  • Commander Kristan Kolar, Wauconda PD, recognized for her mentorship, community service, and commitment to officer development.
  • Sergeant William Donato, Rockford PD, was lauded for his leadership of the Violent Crimes Unit, achieving a 100% homicide clearance rate in 2024 through mentorship and investigative excellence.

We look forward to seeing all they will continue to accomplish in their law enforcement careers.


Ten Shared Principles Award: David Hochberg


Radio host and law enforcement advocate David Hochberg received the 10 Shared Principles Award for his podcast Behind the Badge Illinois, co-produced with ILACP and WGN Radio. The show educates the public on policing and promotes transparency, trust, and collaboration, principles at the core of community policing in Illinois.

 


Laurence P. Mulcrone Public-Private Partnership Award: Dennis Gano

Dennis Gano, Executive Director of the Illinois Security Professionals Association (ISPA), was recognized with the Laurence P. Mulcrone Public-Private Partnership Award. For more than a decade, he has worked to increase ISPA's visibility and influence while increasing membership, committee participation, and legislative advocacy in partnership with ILACP.  Mr. Gano works regularly with the ILACP to advance the cause of police Chiefs and police officers. His leadership has strengthened ties between public law enforcement and private security sectors, advancing joint training and legislative advocacy efforts statewide.

 

Scholarship Awards: Lt. Nicholas Goc & Chief James Mandujano

The ILACP is proud to support the education of law enforcement in the State of Illinois with its two scholarships, the Carl Dobbs Memorial Scholarship and the Jacob J. Novak Scholarship. Village of North Utica Police Chief James Mandujano and Macomb Police Lieutenant Nicholas Goc were selected among dozens of applicants to receive these amazing opportunities to further their education and training. Both awards provides financial support to courses at Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command.

 

Passing the Torch: Chief Joe Leonas Sworn in as ILACP President

The evening concluded with the installation of ILACP’s 2025–2026 Executive Committee, formerly known as the Board of Officers. Chief Joe Leonas of the Lincolnshire Police Department was sworn in as the association’s 77th President. With more than 30 years of experience, Leonas brings a focus on collaboration, officer development, and innovation to his new leadership role.

President Leonas’s efforts for his presidency started before he was sworn in with the formation of the ILACP Women’s Leadership Section, designed to help police chiefs recruit, retain, and promote women in their police departments. Chief Leonas brings fresh ideas and outlooks to the association, and we look forward to seeing what more can be accomplished during his term.