Lake County Gazette

As the first black sheriff in the suburbs and one of just six in Illinois's history, Lake County's John Idleburg almost felt an obligation to speak out when protest across the state and country broke out in response to the killing of an unarmed black man in Minneapolis in May.

As protests and even violence raged across much of the country, Idleburg reflected on Facebook May 28 about the death of George Floyd, stating it “should shock the moral consciousness of every member of our society."

The Lake County sheriff said in his post that he hopes his law enforcement peers share similar beliefs. 

"This is the year 2020 and law enforcement across our nation should understand we are guardians of our community, we are protectors of our community, we serve our community, and we are nothing without the trust and support of our community," he wrote. "What tragically happened to Mr. Floyd at the hands of those sworn to serve and protect creates a significant hole in the moral fabric of the relationship law enforcement has built with our communities."

Floyd was killed on May 25 in Minneapolis by a now-former white police officer who is reportedly recorded on video kneeling on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes, while three cops watched. The former officer Derek Chauvin was charged with murder. There three other now-former officers were also charged. 

As a first-term sheriff, he added such events widening the chasm between law enforcement and the minority communities they are entrusted to protect.

"It is important that everyone in Lake County knows the Lake County Sheriff's Office is here to work with them, not against them," he added in his post. "Our staff understands the philosophy that justice is served in a courtroom, not on the street."

Finally, Idleburg implored those demonstrating in Floyd’s memory and in opposition to injustice everywhere to do so peacefully.

"Rioting, causing damage, personal injury and destruction is no way to deliver a message," he wrote. "Governments across America should always be willing to listen to the people, but it is so important messages are delivered in a peaceful, nonviolent manner or the message is likely to go unheard.”