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Chris Ruys (312) 337-7746
E-mail: chris@chrisruys.com
For Immediate Release
St. Charles Police Detective Jerry Gatlin and Aurora Police Detective Michael Nilles will be presented with the 2005 Law Enforcement Award from the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) on Thursday, May 19, at 11:30 a.m. at Riverview Banquets, & Catering, 1117 N. Washington Ave, in Batavia.
Kim E. Presby, of Aurora, a member of the ISBA Board of Governors, will present the award.
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.
Detective Gatlin, a 15-year veteran of law enforcement, wears many hats in his role in the investigations unit, including field-training officer, hostage negotiations team leader and a criminal intelligence officer. But it is his volunteer community work that sets Detective Gatlin apart. He is a volunteer instructor at the Citizens Police Academy and regularly volunteers for other community events such as Law Enforcement Week. He initiated a campaign to raise funds for a Law Enforcement Memorial in St. Charles which should be completed by May 2006. Outside of the police department, he serves as a volunteer coach for the park district youth sports programs and is an active member of the Oswego Optimists Club.
In his nomination, Kane County State's Attorney John Barsanti wrote: "Detective Gatlin is one of the most dedicated and motivated police officers I have come across in my 25 years as an attorney. He is someone that we would all want to have work in the community to protect our citizens."
State's Attorney Barsanti also nominated Detective Michael Nilles for this award. Detective Nilles is an 18-year veteran of the Aurora Police Department. He is assigned to the Violent Crimes Unit where he has investigated many difficult murder cases and gang-related cases. As a Detective, Nilles is a member of several specialty units in the department, including the Mobile Command Post of the Aurora Police Department which he supervises.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Detective Nilles regularly speaks at local schools and has served as a school coach. He participates in the "Picnic for Peace" in Aurora which brings together families of murder victims, and also local activities during National Police Week.
State's Attorney Barsanti wrote that Detective Nilles "has shown time and time again that he is able to juggle both a beautiful family and a career, and always put forth 110 percent."
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.