He joined the United States Air Force where he proudly served and was honorably discharged. Shortly after this, Tom began his career with the LaSalle County Sheriffs Department in 1973 as a Deputy Sheriff until 1975 when he was promoted to Sergeant and made the rank of Lieutenant in 1978 serving in the Criminal Investigations Division. In 1992 he was promoted to Captain of Criminal Investigations and in 1998 ran for his first term for Sheriff and was elected. He has served in that capacity since.
For the last 18 years, Tom has taught in the Criminal Justice curriculum at Illinois Valley Community College as well as teaching In-service Police Officers for the Illinois Law Enforcement Officers Training Board. Tom is the vice chairman of the LaSalle County Child Advocacy Center and also serves on the executive board for the Illinois Sheriff's Association.
During his career he has received the following Awards and Commendations;
- Illinois State Bar Association: Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, 1996 and 2004
- Police Hall of Fame: Award for Outstanding Homicide Investigation, 1989
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources: Award of Merit, 1986
- Drug Enforcement Administration: Outstanding Contributions in Field of Drug Enforcement, 1985
- Ottawa Jaycees: Outstanding Law Enforcer Award, 1983
Letters of Commendation:
- Fourteen Letters of Commendation LaSalle County Sheriff's Office.
- Two Letters of Commendation from the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
- Two Letters of Commendation from the Illinois State Police.
- Two Letters of Commendation from the Ottawa Police Department.
- He has also received Letters of Commendation from United States Department of Justice, LaSalle County States Attorneys, Bureau County Sheriff's Department, Kendall County Sheriff's Department, Chicago Police Department, Mendota Police Department, Ottawa Fire Department, and Seneca Police Department.
Tom was born and raised in Cherry, IL. He attended Hall High School, Spring Valley, Illinois and went on to attend Illinois Valley Community College where he obtained an Associate degree and furthered his education at the University of Virginia while attending and graduating from the FBI National Academy in 1982.
