Algonquin police chief lauded for gun control efforts

A "tireless advocate" will be honored Monday for gun control efforts.

The Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence will present Algonquin Police Chief Russell Laine with their Law Enforcement Award, given every two years to one law enforcement officer in the state. Laine is one of five to be honored by the council at this year's ceremony, held at the Ritz Carlton in Chicago.

Laine, Algonquin chief since 1985, has distinguished himself both locally and nationally for his efforts, according to village President John Schmitt.

"He is an absolutely tireless advocate for gun control," Schmitt said. "The guy uses his vacation time to go to Washington and lobby."

Laine was picked out of hundreds of nominees, said Kate Williamson, Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence director of community affairs.

"His work in renewing the Federal Assault Weapons ban in 2004, and his service to the International Association of Chiefs of Police truly made him stand out," Williamson said.

Before joining the force in Algonquin, Laine served as police chief in Bartlett and Edgerton, Wis. A past president of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, Laine now serves as vice president for the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He holds a bachelor's degree and a law degree from John Marshall Law School.

In addition to Laine's Law Enforcement Award, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin will receive the Abraham Lincoln Award. Congressman Mark Kirk, state Sen. Dan Kotowski and Chicago Alderman Isaac Carothers will receive Legislative Advocacy awards.

"We're very proud of Russ," Schmitt said.