Darryl K. McPherson, a United States Marshal for the Northern District of Illinois, today received the 2013 Law Enforcement Award from the Illinois State Bar Association at a ceremony held at the E.M. Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, 219 S. Dearborn, in Chicago. ISBA President-elect Paula H. Holderman presented the award.

The ISBA’s 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. It is given sparingly to recognize those who truly excel in the field of law enforcement.

During his time at the helm of the U.S. Marshals Service for the Northern District of Illinois, Marshal McPherson has made a significant contribution to preventing and minimizing the impact of crime. He has also led the Marshals Service in getting involved in numerous community and charitable events that shed a favorable light on law enforcement.

Under Marshal McPherson’s leadership, the Marshals Service has devoted substantial resources to the prevention of crime. The Marshal was one of the creators of the Northern Illinois Violent Fugitive Task Force, now in its 10^th year, which has become one of the most successful fugitive apprehension teams in the Midwest. He has also devoted considerable efforts to minimizing the impact of crime, especially when the victims are children. He and his wife regularly volunteer their home as a loving sanctuary where parents can safely place their children in times of need to prevent episodes of child abuse and neglect. 

Marshal McPherson was also honored for his efforts to educate children. He and the Marshals Service have partnered with the Shop with a Cop program to present programs in schools, thereby building positive relationships between police officers and children. Marshal McPherson has also led the Marshals Service in getting involved in organizations such as Toys for Tots, the Readers Are Leaders Program, and the Fair Housing Testing Program.

In his nomination of Marshal McPherson, Chief Judge James F. Holderman wrote: “…His dedication to the profession and community are simply unrivaled…In my opinion, Marshal McPherson is not only an outstanding U.S. Marshal but an outstanding person, and one who is truly worthy of this prestigious award.