Best in Blue Receive Top Honors from Illinois Chiefs
Several of Illinois’ finest were honored on April 21, 2023, in Lombard, Illinois during the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP) 2023 Awards Banquet. Nearly 200 banquet attendees watched as the best in blue stood to receive their awards. 
The ILACP spent the evening recognizing the quality work of individuals and departments that go above and beyond in their communities. McHenry County State’s Attorney Patrick Kenneally led the event as its Master of Ceremonies. A 10-year veteran of the Oak Lawn Police Department was named the winner of the inaugural Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP) Criminal Investigator of the Year Award. Detective Todd Gross’s hard work in 2022 led to several high-profile arrests and detailed investigations. We congratulate Gross for his incredible achievements in 2022 and look forward to his continued success. 
West City Police Sergeant Sarah Parke, another 10-year veteran, received the James J. Wade Officer of the Year Award for her investigative skills, professionalism, and dedication to her community. West City Chief Jon Graskewicz stated in his nomination of Sgt. Parke, “It’s not just what she does on every shift, but how she carries herself, and the compassion she shows for others. She is an outstanding example of what a police officer should be.” The ILACP Awards Committee and the Board of Officers determined that Sgt. Parke’s dedication, life-saving efforts, and incredible giving spirit made her a standout amongst the other nominees. The coveted Chief of the Year Award is presented to the chief of police who excels in his or her own department and provides extraordinary service to the association. This year, Beecher Police Chief Terry Lemming best exemplified those characteristics. Chief Lemming has spent nearly four decades in law enforcement perfecting quality policing. He began his career in local law enforcement before joining the Illinois State Police (ISP) in 1989. Twenty-five years later Lemming was appointed Chief of Police in Lockport, IL.
While chief in Lockport, Lemming implemented a Safe Passage Program, a safe harbor drug treatment program for those in need. He also resurrected a dormant Chaplains Program to minister and counsel both officers and residents, while also starting the charitable organization “Lockport Love”, whose mission is to help residents in time of need. In 2021, the Village of Beecher became proud to call him chief. “From the first phone call through his entire tenure, Chief Lemming has impressed me with his professionalism, honesty, and dedication to duty,” Beecher Village President Marcy Meyer wrote. “He consistently goes above and beyond. Additionally, even though he lives some distance from our community he is here for us day or night when needed. He gives up his nights and weekends to attend community events and our community members love him. His impact in this community will be felt long after he leaves us.” Chief Lemming has been a long-time supporter of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and a member since 1998. “Chief Lemming is a role model for all chiefs,” ILACP Executive Director Kenny Winslow wrote. “He is well respected and held in high regard by his peers from around the state for his work ethic, knowledge, and experience.” This year’s ILACP Awards Banquet was a bit different from in years past as some of the Medal of Valor awards were presented. Typically, these are not presented at the Awards Banquet, but the association felt compelled to recognize the extraordinary officers of the Highland Park Police Department. The officers were honored with the Medal of Valor for their efforts during and after the mass casualty event of the 2022 Highland Park Independence Day Parade.
Ultimately, seven innocent people were killed, and 48 innocent people were injured by gunfire during this horrific incident. But for the courageous, selfless, and professional efforts of the members of the Highland Park Police Department, it could have been even worse. Thousands of people will bear the emotional scars of this trauma for years to come. The men and women of the Highland Park Police Department gave their all on July 4th to protect their community, save lives, and restore the peace to those that were impacted. The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police thanks each of the officers and commends them for their valorous actions on July 4, 2022. Others who received the Medal of Valor at a later date are Decatur Police Officer Austin Bowman, Decatur Police Officer Ryan Ricker, Naperville Police Sergeant Frank Tonkovich, and Decatur Police Sergeant Timothy Wittmer. The final award of the night was the first Russell B. Laine Lifetime Achievement Award. The purpose of the Award is to recognize and honor an ILACP member who has “made a significant difference” in the association and the law enforcement profession. This Award provides special recognition to an individual who has provided dedicated, outstanding, actively involved service to the ILACP in various roles over a period of at least 20 years of service as an Active or Life member and has:
The daughters of Russell Laine were on hand to surprise Retired Chief Gary Schira with the inaugural award. Schira, a longtime friend of Laine before his passing in 2021, was instrumental in ensuring Laine’s memory and illustrious career lived on through the ILACP’s lifetime achievement award. Here are just a few of the many accomplishments Russ Laine achieved during his lifetime:
Retired Chief Gary Schira's list of achievements is nearly as long now. Schira served as Chief of Police in Bloomingdale and Batavia for a combined 34 years. Chief Schira is a Life Member of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and has served on numerous ILACP committees throughout the years. He is currently a member of the Executive Board and chairs the Ethics and Past Presidents Committees. He is at every Executive Board meeting always willing to share his knowledge, insight, and experience with others for the benefit of the association. Chief Schira was also a member of the 75th Anniversary Committee and played an instrumental role in the planning and success of the Gala including getting 22 past presidents to attend.
Chief Schira has been a vocal legislative advocate for various issues including at the time, the controversial occupant restraint law. He’s been a strong proponent of continuing education and was instrumental in the development of the Carl Dobbs Scholarship program as well as the overall professionalization of policing. He has been a leader within the profession and the association for forty years. But more than that he is a person who gives back to others and pushes them to be their best. He has been a friend and mentor to many and still is to this day. The association couldn’t be prouder to not only call Chief Schira a valued Life Member, but also an example of what many in the law enforcement profession should strive to be. The ILACP thanks Chief Schira for his service and congratulates him on this inaugural Russ B. Laine Lifetime Achievement Award. Click here to view all photos from the 2023 ILACP Training Conference and Awards Banquet. |
