RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Governor Bruce Rauner has announced his plan to appoint Chicago Police Deputy Chief Leo Schmitz as the Director of the Illinois State Police, a position previously held by Director Hiram Grau; and
WHEREAS, Chicago Police Deputy Chief Leo Schmitz, who currently heads the Englewood Police district, joined the Chicago Police Department in August, 1986; and
WHEREAS, Deputy Chief Schmitz is widely regarded as one of the Chicago Police Department's most respected leaders and was elevated to the rank of Deputy Chief due to his experience in one ofthe toughest police districts in the City; and
WHEREAS, Deputy Chief Schmitz has worked tirelessly with members of the community to increase people's sense of safety and to improve the quality of life for the residents of Englewood; and
WHEREAS, prior to his assignment in Englewood, Deputy Chief Schmitz started the Gang Enforcement Unit - the largest in the country, where as the unit's commander, he coordinated efforts to attack violent crime caused by gangs; and
WHEREAS, for his significant work with the Gang Enforcement Unit, Deputy Chief Schmitz received the Unit Meritorious Award for the outstanding results achieved within the Unit's first year of existence, he has also been honored 241 times by the Chicago Police Department, with eleven Department Commendations, 167 honorable mentions, and has been awarded the Department's Medal of Valor and the Powers Leadership Award,
WHEREAS, Deputy Chief Schmitz also received the Police Blue Star Award which is given to a member of the Police Department who has been seriously or critically injured while in the performance of police duty; and
WHEREAS, additionally, Deputy Chief Schmitz has also received the Illinois Medal of Honor, the Cook County Sheriff Medal of Valor, The One Hundred Club Medal of Valor, and the Fraternal Order of Police Distinguished Service Award; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Edward M. Burke, Alderman of the 14th Ward, has appraised this august body of Deputy Chief Schmitz's significant accomplishment; NOW THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago Council, congratulates Deputy Chief Schmitz on the occasion of this remarkable achievement and for all of his efforts during his remarkable career in law enforcement;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution shall be prepared and presented to Deputy Chief Leo Schmitz.
Edward M. Burke, Alderman, 14tn Ward