Law Enforcement Award

[caption id="attachment_12408" align="alignright" width="300" caption="ISBA President John O'Brien, honoree Ralph DeBartolo and ISBA Board of Governors member Jim Morici"][/caption] ISBA President John G. O’Brien presented the Law Enforcement Award to Ralph DeBartolo on May 27 at the 3rd District Courthouse in Rolling Meadows. DeBartolo is chief of the Cook County Sheriff's Department's Office of Court Services. This 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. Chief DeBartolo is receiving the award for his tireless efforts to improve security measures and emergency procedures in the Rolling Meadows courthouse, as well as his volunteer efforts to help increase awareness and respect for the local Italian-American community. Since joining the Sheriff’s Office in 1989, he has distinguished himself in providing safety and security for local judges, court personnel, inmates and the public. He streamlined operations and significantly increased the collaboration between the Sheriff’s Office and the legal community. DeBartolo was one of the founding officers of the Italian-American Police Officers Association and has served as its chairman and president.