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Algonquin police chief up for U.S. marshal post

Algonquin Police Chief Russell Laine is one of three people U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk have recommended to President Barack Obama to become the next United States marshal for the high-profile northern Illinois district.

Laine, 63, said he has thought about serving in that role, if the position ever became available.

"It's a terrific opportunity, and I believe I can do some good things," said Laine, who has been chief since 1985 and announced plans to retire in December from the Algonquin position.

Other finalists for the job are Joel Kirch, who is the current acting U.S. marshal for the district, and Calumet City Police Chief Edward Gilmore.

"When you look at the qualifications for the other candidates, they are proven professionals, and to be included with them is a real honor," Laine said.

Laine has served 39 years in law enforcement, almost 30 of which have been with Algonquin. He previously was the police chief in Bartlett. He also has served as the president of the McHenry County Chiefs of Police Association, the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

In 2007, he earned the Law Enforcement Recognition award from the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence, and he helped introduce the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics in Algonquin and McHenry County. He has also lectured both nationally and internationally on topics such as police ethics.

Laine makes $144,461 a year as Algonquin's chief. If selected to be the next marshal, Laine can collect his pension on top of his salary. His minimum starting pension is $108,346, but payouts for unused vacation, personal and sick time could significantly increase that amount.

In September, the U.S. Marshals Service abruptly replaced the head of its Chicago office, Darryl McPherson, who was appointed by Obama in 2010.

McPherson was demoted to the same office's judicial security division. Drew Wade, an agency spokesman in Washington, declined to discuss why the 17-year veteran was moved to a lower-level job, citing privacy rules.

The Marshals Service is the enforcement arm of U.S. courts. Among its other duties, the agency is responsible for transporting prisoners, catching fugitives and ensuring the security of federal judges.

Laine wouldn't comment on what his goals are if picked for the marshal post.

"My family is very excited and very supportive," he said.

Laine's last day with Algonquin is Dec. 15. It will be a few months before a decision is made on the marshal appointment.

"It allows me a little vacation," Laine said. "I have a number of projects that I want to do around the house."

• Daily Herald staff writer Safiya Merchant and Daily Herald news services contributed to this report.

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