Today is Arthur J. Bilek Day to Honor His Retirement from the Chicago Crime Commission, @ChiCrimeCommiss

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago City Council officially proclaimed today Arthur J. Bilek Day in Chicago.  The honor is in recognition of Bilek as he concludes a law enforcement career that spanned more than 60 years, culminating with his retirement from the Chicago Crime Commission.

"As Executive Vice President of the Chicago Crime Commission since 2010, Art Bilek has been one of the organization's greatest assets," according to J.R. Davis, Chairman and President of the Chicago Crime Commission. "Among his many accomplishments, Art Bilek spearheaded efforts to join forces with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in naming a new Public Enemy Number One.  The title, originally coined for Al Capone by the Chicago Crime Commission in 1930, was assigned to Joaquin Guzman Loera in 2013. Guzman, one of society's most vicious, ruthless and powerful drug kingpins, was captured in Mexico in 2014," he said.

Art Bilek is considered to be one of the most knowledgeable and experienced persons in the field of organized crime in Chicago.  "His initial exposure to organized crime was as a special investigator for the Cook County State's Attorney, working as one of the arresting officers in the Summerdale Police District's 'Burglars in Blue' scandal.  He also worked on the Chicago Outfit's infamous 'floating crap game' and led the successful raid and arrest of Mafia Don Rocco Fischetti," Davis continued.

Under the leadership of Sheriff Richard Ogilvie, Bilek was named police chief and reorganized and reformed the corrupt Cook County Sheriff's Police Department and drafted legislation for improving law enforcement and crime fighting in Illinois.

"Art Bilek also contributed to academia by developing and writing the curriculum for the first baccalaureate program in criminal justice in the United States and served as founder, chairman and professor of the University of Illinois, Chicago, Criminal Justice Department," Davis added.

Bilek also served as the first corporate director of security for the Hilton Hotel Corporation and later as the Vice President and Corporate Director of Security and Investigations for the First National Bank of Chicago.  He has been involved with the Chicago Crime Commission for 30 years and is a life member of the commission.

"While we wish our friend Art a well-deserved retirement, I told him to expect a periodic call from the Chicago Crime Commission looking for his invaluable advice," Davis concluded.