CONTACT:CHRIS RUYS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Chris Ruys (312) 337-7746
E-mail: chris@chrisruys.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 5, 2004

Clinton Sheriff To Receive Award
From Illinois State Bar Association

DeWitt County Sheriff Roger Massey, of Clinton, will receive the 2004 Law Enforcement Award from the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) on Wednesday, May 5, at 12 noon, during the annual Law Day luncheon of the McLean County Bar Association, at the Radisson Hotel, 10 Brickyard Drive, in Bloomington.

The award is being given in recognition of the sheriff's professionalism, a superior law enforcement record and the development of a culture of community service in the DeWitt County Sheriff's Department. ISBA board member John Theis will present the award.

In his nomination letter, Illinois Appellate Court Justice James A. Knecht said that during his 29 years on the bench, he has not worked with or seen a finer law enforcement officer than Roger Massey. "He combines the engaging, approachable, highly-visible qualities of an elected official with appreciation for technology, communication and professionalism in both serving and protecting his country," Justice Knecht wrote.

Sheriff Massey's handling of a case in which three young children drowned in Clinton Lake "serve as a model of how to avoid extrajudicial statements that might threaten the fairness of our judicial process," he continued.

Justice Knecht also praised Sheriff Massey for establishing the "Operation Cool" seat belt program directed at teens. His interest in the issue derives from the traffic death of his teen daughter in 1997 in an automobile accident where it was determined that a seat belt would have saved her life. A community playground in Clinton was also constructed and dedicated in his daughter's name, Crystal Massey.

The Law Enforcement Award was created to recognize sworn law enforcement officers for conduct that promotes justice and to distinguish those individuals whose service to the public brings honor and respect to the entire criminal justice system. The award is given sparingly to recognize those who truly excel in the field of law enforcement. The 30,000-member Illinois State Bar Association, with offices in Springfield and Chicago, provides professional services to Illinois lawyers, and education and services to the public.