Cicero Names new interim police Superintendent Seeks candidates for fulltime post

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.

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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Chicago Tribune cites political contributions of others, but not its own

The Chicago Tribune wrote a story this week that criticized the newly appointed Police Chief Bernard Harrison because he donated campaign contributions to Town President Larry Dominick.

It's amazing that is the lead story. Although the story implies something was done for political reasons, the Chicago Tribune, as it always does, fails to provide any facts to back up the innuendo and rumors it spreads.

Did Harrison do it for political reasons? Or, did he do it because he supports President Dominick and it is unrelated to his appointment? Harrison is a former U.S. Marine who joined the Cicero Police Department in 1994. Wow. $2,500 in nearly 17 years of service. Clearly, whatever Harrison does is his business and has nothing to do with politics.

The Chicago Tribune, which is biased and usually only writes negative stories about the Town of Cicero, is hypocritical.

Oh yes.

Take a look at the Illinois Campaign Disclosures and you discover that Chicago Tribune officers have donated significantly more money to political candidates it frequently writes about in its newspapers. Yes, $4,050 in campaign contributions from Top Tribune managers.

Burns, Erik 926 W. Carmen Cihcago, IL 60640 Occupation: IT Manager Employer: Tribune Co.	$1,000.00 6/29/2010	Individual Contribution Friends of Molly Phelan
Hiller, David Dean 1448 N. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60610 Occupation: Attorney Employer: Tribune Corporation	$1,000.00 12/21/2001	Individual Contribution John Schmidt for Attorney General
Lufrano, Michael 1140 W. Schubert Chicago, IL 60614 Occupation: Attorney Employer: Tribune Interactive	$250.00 10/6/2003	Individual Contribution Citizens for Lisa Madigan
Lufrano, Michael 1140 W. Schubert Chicago, IL 60614 Occupation: Attorney Employer: Tribune Interactive	$1,000.00 12/31/2003	Individual Contribution Citizens for Lisa Madigan
Trammell, Curtis J 474 N Lake Shore Dr Apt 4503 Chicago, IL 60611-6488 Occupation: Regional Sales Manager Employer: Tribune Media Services	$150.00 1/12/2010	Individual Contribution Preckwinkle for President
Trammell, Curtis J 474 N Lake Shore Dr Apt 4503 Chicago, IL 60611-6488 Occupation: Regional Sales Manager Employer: Tribune Media Services	$250.00 1/25/2010	Individual Contribution Preckwinkle for President
Trammell, Curtis J 474 N Lake Shore Dr Apt 4503 Chicago, IL 60611-6488 Occupation: Regional Sales Manager Employer: Tribune Media Services	$400.00 6/17/2010	Individual Contribution Preckwinkle for President

Maybe the Chicago Tribune should do a story about how it leverages its newspaper's coverage against favorable treatment from elected officials.

No chance you will read that story in the Chicago Tribune.

-- Ray Hanania