
Cicero Names new interim police Superintendent
Seeks candidates for fulltime post
Cicero/Illinois – Interim Police Supt. Lori Lelis, the first woman to serve as the town’s top cop, stepped down Monday saying she accomplished many of her goals to crack down on street gang violence. She was immediately succeeded by Deputy Chief Bernard Harrison.
Town President Larry Dominick praised Lelis saying that since she was appointed to the post in May 2009, the town has seen a continued drop in street gang activities and said that Chief Harrison has the experience to fill her shoes.
“Lori did a great job as interim police chief. She always recognized that this was aa interim position as we continued to find someone to lead our police,” Dominick said.
“We continue to interview candidates but until we do find a permanent appointment to the post, Bernie will maintain the high standards that the people have come to expect in their police department. She has had a long and distinguished career with the force and I expect her to continue to dedicate herself to the safety of Cicero’s residents.”
A 25 year veteran of the Cicero Police Department and a longtime Cicero resident, Lelis was appointed interim police superintendent on May 26, 2009 following the retirement of former Police Chief Anthony Iniquez.
She served with distinction on the town's Detective Unit and the Gang Crimes Tactical Unit. In February, Lelis and the Outstanding Warrants Task Force which she leads were honored by the Town Board for their exemplary work in apprehending and bringing to justice over 400 persons with outstanding warrants.
A former US Marine and helicopter combat air crewman during the Vietnam War, Harrison began his police career in Chicago in October 1972 following his honorable discharge from the military. He was hired by Cicero in 1994 as an officer in charge on patrol watch, detective, Deputy Supt of Investigations, patrol Sergeant, and deputy superintendent.
A former US Marine and helicopter combat air crewman during the Vietnam War, Harrison began his police career in Chicago in October 1972 following his honorable discharge from the military. He was hired by Cicero in 1994 as an officer in charge on patrol watch, detective, Deputy Supt of Investigations, patrol Sergeant, and deputy superintendent.
He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Social Justice from Northwestern University, and a Master of Science Degree in Criminal and Social Justice from Lewis University.
“I am honored to be able to hold the position of interim police superintendent,” Harrison said. “I have dedicated my life to fighting crime and since 1994 working to protect the citizens of the Town of Cicero.”
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