Illinois Chiefs of Police Association names Berlin "Public Official of the Year" for 2019
DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin pictured holding the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police’s “Public Official of the Year” award for 2019.
On March 17, 2020 the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP) awarded DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin one of its two prestigious “Public Official of the Year” awards for 2019. Bob was chosen for the award based upon his contributions to public safety over his entire career and especially for his efforts in 2019.
The award ceremony was originally scheduled to take place at the ILACP dinner in Springfield, but the event was cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and associated social distancing initiatives. Instead, a small group of mostly DuPage-area Chiefs of Police gathered at the Oak Brook Police Department to present the award to Bob.
The ILACP released a statement to commemorate the day and ceremony. Per the ILACP statement:
“A lot of legislation has a big impact on law enforcement in Illinois, and we are grateful to our partners in public safety assisting us in supporting policy changes that make sense for our communities and in preventing poorly written pieces of legislation from becoming law,” said Chief Marc Maton of Lemont, who chairs ILACP’s Legislative Committee.
Pictured (L-R): Indian Head Park Chief of Police Steven Stelter, DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin, Crystal Lake Chief of Police James Black, and Winfield Chief of Police David Schar.
Berlin was the President of the Illinois State’s Attorneys Association during 2019. In that role he spearheaded efforts to push for additional penalties for financial exploitation of elderly victims and sex offenses against students. He personally led the efforts to oppose the elimination of the felony murder rule and the elimination of bail for violent crimes. He has been the state’s attorney since 2010 and is active in the DuPage Chiefs of Police Association.
“When he speaks, people listen,” Ed Wojcicki, ILACP executive director, said of Berlin. “His is an important voice when he goes to Springfield to testify on critical legislation. We in law enforcement are so grateful for Mr. Berlin’s leadership in Illinois’ criminal justice system.”
Added Downers Grove Police Chief Shannon Gillette: “Bob [Berlin] is engaged and accessible to law enforcement at all levels to enhance communication, cooperation, and collaboration. He is a staunch and tireless advocate for victims’ rights.”
Bob was extremely honored to receive the award. He credited the people of DuPage for their commitment to accountability, law and order, and the staff of the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office for their dedication to their duties. This award is the latest accolade in a distinguished career for Berlin. Of great note, Berlin was previously honored as the State’s Attorney of the Year for 2013, presented by the Illinois State Crime Commission. He earned the Frederick Milton Thrasher Award for gang-crime prosecutions in 2012, presented by the National Gang Crime Research Center. In 2004 Berlin was named the Outstanding Prosecutor of the Year by the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office while employed there prior to being elected as DuPage County State’s Attorney.
The other Public Official of the Year recipient for 2019 was Illinois State Representative Terri Bryant.
The ILACP’s full statement can be found here: https://www.ilchiefs.org/dupage-s-robert-berlin--rep--terri-bryant-named-public-officials-of-the-year-by-illinois-chiefs