With thunderous applause and a standing ovation, the audience at Monday’s Kane County Board meeting gave a fond farewell to retiring Sheriff Pat Perez, and Perez returned the favor with words of gratitude and pride in the accomplishments of the past eight years.

Barb Wojnicki read the resolution wishing Perez “an enjoyable, rewarding and relaxing retirement.”

“You are well loved,” she said.

“I want to thank the County Board for this recognition,” Perez said. “Over the course of eight years, we’ve done a lot of good things together.

“When I think of all the things we’ve been able to accomplish, I think making it through the worst economy we have seen in our lifetimes has been the biggest. I know it took a few years off of my life and accelerated my retirement. It showed us that you have to adopt a mantra of doing the best you can with the (resources) you have to work with.”

Perez said getting budgets passed, construction of the judicial center facility and most recently, construction of a regional training center stand out as some of those top accomplishments.

Perez took a moment to thank patrol lieutenants and other Sheriff’s Office personnel who were in the audience Monday.

“This isn’t just for me, it’s for everyone here,” he said.

RESOLUTION IN APPRECIATION OF SHERIFF PATRICK B. PEREZ

WHEREAS, Sheriff Patrick B. Perez will retire on Nov. 30, 2014 after a distinguished career with the Kane County Sheriff’s Office that has spanned more than 22 years; and

WHEREAS, during that time he advanced through the ranks, was elected Sheriff of Kane County in 2006 and again in 2010, responsible for all of the Office’s functions, and is retiring as such; and

WHEREAS, Pat raised accountability in the Jail, reduced lawsuits against personnel/agency, expanded outreach services, established mandatory random drug testing for deputies, placed more deputies on the streets, and expanded the Citizens Police Academy. Pat has been Supervisor of the Special Ops Unit, a member of the Gang and Drug Enforcement Unit, Supervisor of the Patrol Division, Investigations Division, and Civil Division, and a member of the Illinois Attorney General’s Gang Task Force. Pat has served on various committees and boards; and

WHEREAS, Pat successfully spearheaded the move of the Sheriff’s Office and Jail in August 2008 safely and without interruption of service to the public; and

WHEREAS, Pat has repeatedly demonstrated his devotion by improving efficiency of the Sheriff’s Office and helping to ensure the safety of Kane County citizens; and

WHEREAS, Pat established the annual Sheriff’s Charity Car and Motorcycle Show raising over $80,000 for many charities during his eight years in office; and

WHEREAS, Pat has enjoyed an admirable career of dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the citizens of Kane County, including receiving various awards and commendations; and

WHEREAS, the Kane County Board and the citizens of Kane County appreciate Pat Perez’ invaluable service, dedication and effective leadership for the past twenty-two years.

NOW, THEREFORE, ON THIS 10TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2014 the Kane County Board extends its deep appreciation to Patrick B. Perez for his dedicated and commendable service to the citizens of Kane County and best wishes to Pat for an enjoyable, rewarding, and relaxing retirement.