2025 DEPUTY OF THE YEAR | CORRECTIONAL OFFICER OF THE YEAR | TELECOMMUNICATOR OF THE YEAR
The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association is seeking candidates for “Deputy of the Year”, “Correctional Officer of the Year”, and “Telecommunicator of the Year” for 2025. These awards are recognition of exemplary performances in all aspects of their law enforcement duties. Telecommunicators do not have to be employed by the County to be nominated.
Any full-time County Deputy, Correctional Officer or Telecommunicator in the State of Illinois is eligible for consideration. You may nominate an officer who was killed in the line of duty and, if chosen, the award will be presented to a family member. Nominations are being sought and can be made by any Illinois Sheriff, in writing, to the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association, no later than WED, Nov. 05, 2025!
Nominations should be made for exceptional achievement in any professional endeavor within the Sheriff’s Office; including but not limited to:
EXTRAORDINARY VALOR
LIFE SAVING EFFORTS
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
PUBLIC SERVICE
CRIME PREVENTION
TRAFFIC SAFETY
YOUTH PROGRAMS
ACHIEVEMENT, INNOVATION OR CONTRIBUTION TO CRIME PREVENTION
COURT SECURITY
JAIL OPERATIONS
DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION & CONTROL
The awards will be presented at the Banquet during the 2026 Winter Training Conference on Monday, February 9th, 2026 at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield, Illinois. The winners and their spouse/guest will be guests of the ISA at this banquet, and one hotel room will be provided for one night.
All nominations must include a signed letter of endorsement from the Sheriff submitting the nominee (appearing on office letterhead), which includes:
- A brief statement of specific circumstances and actions that form the basis for the nomination,
- A brief biographical sketch, newspaper clippings, written reports, commendation letters, citations and other evidence that will assist in the selection process.
The ISA’s Membership Committee will review and evaluate all nominations received.
If you have any questions, please call Lynn Saputo (217) 753-2372 or Email her at: [email protected]
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- You must download the fillable nomination form; get it signed and email it in with your supporting documentation. We no longer have the online nomination forms.
Click the link below to review the full packet with Nomination Rules, Award Category Criteria (NEW for 2025 Life-Saving Award Criteria), Notes & Deadlines and to download the forms:
DOWNLOAD NOMINATION PACKET WITH FORM
Click the link below if you just need additional nomination forms:
