April 6, 2018

Contact Ed Wojcicki, Executive Director
217.523.3765
[email protected] 

Senators Hastings, Sims honored by Illinois Chiefs
as 2017 Public Officials of the Year

SPRINGFIELD – State Senators Michael Hastings (D-Tinley Park) and Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) have been named the 2017 Public Officials of the Year by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. They will be recognized April 11, 2018, during the Illinois Chiefs’ Annual Legislative Reception in Springfield.

The recommendation for honoring these two legislators came from ILACP’s Legislative Committee, which is chaired by Lemont Chief Marc Maton. Those recommendations were ratified by the 10-member ILACP Board of Officers.

“A lot of legislation has a big impact on law enforcement in Illinois, and we are grateful to our friends in the General Assembly who pay close attention to our concerns and respond on our behalf,” said Chief James R. Kruger, Jr., ILACP President. This year, the association is following more than 400 bills, a daunting task for a small organization.

Chief O’Connor said that Senator Hastings was particularly helpful in 2017 when certain issues needed special attention at critical points of the legislative process, and Hastings stepped up in support of the Illinois Chiefs. The Chiefs also noted that Senator Hastings’ stature is rising in the Senate Democratic Caucus and that is good for Illinois overall. “We have great respect for Senator Hastings and are so grateful for the good work that he is doing,” said Chief Pat O’Connor of the Moraine Valley Community College Police Department. He is ILACP’s former Legislative Committee chair.

Sims, who had been a state representative from 2012-2018, was instrumental in shaping nearly every important piece of law enforcement legislation in recent years. He is generally in the room with the Illinois Chiefs, Illinois Sheriffs, Illinois State Police and others as the legislation is being shaped. “He always listens and is responsive to what we have to say,” said ILACP Executive Director Ed Wojcicki. “These are not the easiest of times for law enforcement in the legislature, but Elgie tries hard to balance the concerns of his constituents, the state of Illinois, and law enforcement. We appreciate that Elgie is always available to us and he pays attention. He is a very thoughtful legislator.”

Last year, the Illinois Chiefs honored Senators John Cullerton (D-Chicago) and Pamela Althoff (R-Crystal Lake), as well as state Representative John Cabello (R-Loves Park). A list of all past honorees can be found here.

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