Tomczak named State’s Attorney of the Year : 2003

The Illinois State Crime Commission announced its selection of Jeff Tomczak to receive its State’s Attorney of the Year Award at the Crime Commissions’ annual dinner, “A Salute to Those Who Make A Difference” June 18 at the Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace. In December 2000, Tomczak became the 27th prosecutor to serve as the state’s attorney for Will County. Upon entering the office, Tomczak concentrated his efforts on improving prosecutions for driving under the influence of alcohol. His work led to a 187 percent increase in convictions during the first year of his administration.

In conjunction with the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists, Tomczak created a statewide program for mandatory blood testing of suspended DUI drivers. He also brought the “Drunk Busters” program to Will County.

Tomczak also created the Consumer Fraud Unit to prevent fraud upon senior citizens as well as help collect child support for working families. He organized for first Identity Task Force Investigation Unit, now the model used throughout the State of Illinois, which to date has helped restore the credit and good name of more than 300 citizens.

Tomczak started the Rapid Assistance Program to provide after- hours service to victims of domestic violence. He also opened branch offices in DuPage and Crete Townships in order to expand services to the areas furthest from the county seat in Joliet.

Tomczak has focused efforts on community outreach by forming Will County’s first Faith-Based Community Outreach group, organizing the County Juvenile Justice Council, and writing legislation to protect police officers from violence.

Tomczak is a native of Chicago. He attended De LaSalle High School, DePaul University and the John Marshall Law School where he was the magistrate of the Phi Delta Phi law fraternity. Jeff and his wife, Judge Amy Bertani-Tomczak, live in New Lenox, with their twin daughters, Lina and Rose.

With the help of such distinguished individuals and relying entirely on community contributions rather than government funding, the commission has become they most dynamic, effective and respected crime fighting organization in Illinois.