The John M. Penrith Award 2012

The FBI National Executive Institute Associates
announces this year’s annual Penrith Award recipient

Terry G. Hillard

Today, FBI NEIA President, Charlie Connolly announced that this year’s award goes to former Chicago Police Superintendent, Terry G. Hillard. It is a unique award given that the nominees are voted on by a ‘jury of their peers”, the past winners of this coveted award. Eligible members are graduates of the FBI National Executive Institute and nominated by a fellow graduate. “It is recognition of the best in law enforcement by the best in law enforcement” said President Connolly.  National leadership, personal courage in the face of adversity, substantial or innovative contributions to the administration of law enforcement are among the traits that are considered by the committee.

This year’s winner is a United States Marine Corps and Vietnam veteran, the recipient of four (4) combat medals and a presidential Unit Citation.  Hillard began his remarkable and distinguished career with the Chicago Police Department in 1968. He was wounded while apprehending a dangerous felon who had shot four suburban police officers. Terry Hillard was Chicago’s first African-American Chief of Detectives and Deputy Chief of Patrol. He was awarded numerous commendations including the Superintendent’s Award of Valor, the Blue Star Award, and Chicago’s highest police award- the prestigious Police Medal of Honor. In 1998 he was appointed Superintendent of the nation’s second largest police department, quickly establishing a national reputation for outstanding police leadership. Hillard was recognized for his personal commitment to the patrol officers on the street and introduction of creative crime prevention programs.  Among his many accomplishments were the establishment of a new Domestic Violence Program, an enhanced Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CPS) as well as the driving force behind the successful Enhanced Drug and Gang Enforcement Program. While Terry’s legacy of achievement seemingly retired in 2003, he was again asked by Chicago’s Mayor to serve as interim superintendent in 2011 during a difficult transitory period within the department.

While Hillard has always provided a major presence at FBI National Executive Institute Associates conference and meetings he is currently a candidate for that organization’s Board of Directors. Currently he is co-founder of Hillard-Heintz, serving as a security advisor for several major businesses, government agencies and prominent individuals. He has put pen to paper as the co-author of a highly acclaimed “Chicago Police: An Inside View,” stressing the importance of integrity and ethics and used widely by law enforcement community for training purposes.

The Penrith Award is named in honor of a prominent Chicago businessman slain during an armed robbery. His son Gary Penrith, is a past president of the FBI NEIA.

Former Superintendent  Hillard will receive his award on Saturday, June 16, 2012 during the organization’s annual conference at Sun Valley (6/13 -17).

Charlie Connolly – President, FBI National Executive institute Associates