Bar association fetes Algonquin chief of police

The largest bar association in Illinois has its eyes trained on Algonquin and on Tuesday night gave a prestigious award to Police Chief Russ Laine.

Laine received the Illinois State Bar Association's 2009 Law Enforcement Award, an honor handed out "sparingly" to outstanding people who have distinguished themselves in both law enforcement and the criminal justice system, said association President-elect John O'Brien.

The 35,000-member association recognized Laine for promoting a positive relationship between police and the legal community and for his own devotion to protecting and serving the public.

"In the wake of the country's war on terrorism, he was invited to serve on the FBI's first law enforcement advisory committee, and he serves on the boards of several federal agencies," O'Brien said.

"His long list of professional and civic leadership activities is extensive and impressive."

Laine's recent installment as president of the 22,000-member International Association of Chiefs of Police and his law degree from the John Marshall Law School made him a "perfect candidate" for the award, said McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi, who nominated him for the honor.

Laine has been Algonquin's police chief since 1985 and before that was a police chief in Bartlett, where he now lives.

Village President John Schmitt said the award was the "icing on the cake" and confirmed what officials already know about Laine.

"You honor this community on a daily basis by the way you manage the police department," Schmitt told Laine.

"It's a real honor and privilege to work with you."

For his part, Laine, whose wife, Patty, accompanied him to the ceremony, said the men and women wearing the police uniform also deserve recognition.

"They are true professionals and make me look good on a daily basis," he said.