Chief of Criminal Investigations Bill Simmons Retires After 40-Year Career

WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph E. Birkett announced today that Bill Simmons, Chief of Criminal Investigations for the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, will be retiring after a 40-year career in law enforcement.  Simmons last day on the job will be Friday June 20.

In 1968, Simmons began his law enforcement career with the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office as DuPage County’s first African American police officer.  While at the Sheriff’s Office, Simmons fought the war on drugs by working undercover and forming a narcotics task force.  Simmons also was one of the original agents of newly created DuPage Metropolitan Enforcement Group (DuMeg), a county-wide anti-drug group.  Throughout his career, Simmons received numerous awards and accolades for his police work.  In 2006 Simmons was honored by the NAACP – DuPage County Branch, with the Pioneering in Law Enforcement Award at their 50^th Anniversary Celebration.   Also in 2006, Simmons was awarded the Illinois State Bar Association’s Law Enforcement Award.

In addition to his extensive and exemplary career in law enforcement, Simmons takes a leadership role in a number of local community organizations.    He is active in the DuPage African Methodist Episcopal Church and also serves as Vice President for the Northern Illinois Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. 

“Bill will be tremendously missed,” remarked Birkett.   “In the 25 years I have known Bill I can honestly say that he personifies the very best in law enforcement.  He is fair, honest and compassionate, important qualities to have when dealing with crime victims and their families.  He is also tough, determined and tenacious, traits that served him well when dealing with hardened criminals.  He is the best of the best and I wish him success and happiness as he begins a new chapter in his life.”

Dave Day, current Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center, will replace Simmons as Chief of the Investigations Unit.  Day joined the State’s Attorney’s Office in 1999 after serving as a Carol Stream police officer for more than 25 years rising to the rank of Lieutenant.  Day holds a Masters of Science Degree in Criminal and Social Justice and is widely respected within the law enforcement community.

“Dave is a consummate professional who has served the citizens of DuPage County for more than 30 years,” remarked Birkett.  “I have the utmost confidence in Dave and his abilities and am confident he will continue to uphold the high standards of protecting the public and serving the victims of crime that his predecessor has set before him.”

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