Former Chicago Police Department Superintendent and Cook County Sheriff Dies at 96
James O'Grady, a law enforcement icon who spent decades climbing the ranks to lead one of Chicago's most iconic departments, has passed away at the age of 96. A selfless leader who prioritized his officers above all else, O'Grady left an indelible mark on the lives of those he served.
Born into Irish immigrant family, O'Grady's father was a veteran Chicago police sergeant. This upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of duty and responsibility that would define his career. Joining the police department in 1952, O'Grady worked tirelessly to rise through the ranks, earning respect from his peers for his unwavering dedication.
A "cop's cop" who earned the admiration of many, O'Grady was known for picking up tabs for fellow officers at popular eateries like Manny's or the former Blue Angel. This gesture of kindness and camaraderie only added to his reputation as a leader who genuinely cared about those beneath him.
However, controversy marred the latter stages of O'Grady's career. His tenure as superintendent was cut short by a heated battle with Mayor Jane Byrne, who accused him of "politicizing" the job. Despite this setback, O'Grady remained committed to his officers and continued to prioritize their welfare throughout his career.
After leaving the police department in 1984, O'Grady made an unexpected pivot into politics, winning the Republican Party's nomination for Cook County sheriff in 1986. His pledge to rid the office of corruption resonated with voters, and he went on to defeat a 16-year incumbent, Richard Elrod.
However, O'Grady's time as sheriff was short-lived. A series of corruption scandals during his tenure led to an FBI investigation into ghost payroll practices. While O'Grady himself faced no indictment, one of his top deputies, James Dvorak, was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in the scheme.
Despite this dark chapter, O'Grady's legacy remains a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service. As former police commander Neil Sullivan so aptly put it, "He never forgot the cops on the street and what they needed to get the job done... He set an example for those of us that came after him."
O'Grady is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joan, whom he predeceased, as well as five children, dozens of grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A visitation will be held on January 10th at St. Mary of the Woods Church, where O'Grady was a longtime parishioner. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of law enforcement leaders and officers alike.
James O'Grady, a law enforcement icon who spent decades climbing the ranks to lead one of Chicago's most iconic departments, has passed away at the age of 96. A selfless leader who prioritized his officers above all else, O'Grady left an indelible mark on the lives of those he served.
Born into Irish immigrant family, O'Grady's father was a veteran Chicago police sergeant. This upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of duty and responsibility that would define his career. Joining the police department in 1952, O'Grady worked tirelessly to rise through the ranks, earning respect from his peers for his unwavering dedication.
A "cop's cop" who earned the admiration of many, O'Grady was known for picking up tabs for fellow officers at popular eateries like Manny's or the former Blue Angel. This gesture of kindness and camaraderie only added to his reputation as a leader who genuinely cared about those beneath him.
However, controversy marred the latter stages of O'Grady's career. His tenure as superintendent was cut short by a heated battle with Mayor Jane Byrne, who accused him of "politicizing" the job. Despite this setback, O'Grady remained committed to his officers and continued to prioritize their welfare throughout his career.
After leaving the police department in 1984, O'Grady made an unexpected pivot into politics, winning the Republican Party's nomination for Cook County sheriff in 1986. His pledge to rid the office of corruption resonated with voters, and he went on to defeat a 16-year incumbent, Richard Elrod.
However, O'Grady's time as sheriff was short-lived. A series of corruption scandals during his tenure led to an FBI investigation into ghost payroll practices. While O'Grady himself faced no indictment, one of his top deputies, James Dvorak, was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in the scheme.
Despite this dark chapter, O'Grady's legacy remains a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service. As former police commander Neil Sullivan so aptly put it, "He never forgot the cops on the street and what they needed to get the job done... He set an example for those of us that came after him."
O'Grady is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joan, whom he predeceased, as well as five children, dozens of grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A visitation will be held on January 10th at St. Mary of the Woods Church, where O'Grady was a longtime parishioner. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of law enforcement leaders and officers alike.
96 & still going strong! 
He might've had some bumps along the way but his dedication to public service is truly admirable 
. he lived an amazing life, 96 is old age, but he left his mark on the city of Chicago and the police department 
. i'm glad to hear he was a selfless leader who looked out for his officers, that takes alot of courage 
. what's crazy is how he pivoted into politics after leaving the police department 
. i guess you could say he showed everyone that he wasn't just a cop, but a leader 
. rest in peace james, may your legacy continue to inspire new generations 
...he had an amazing career spanning over 50 yrs in policing & politics, starting from being a cop's cop 
where he was known for picking up tabs for his fellow officers, talk about loyalty & camaraderie 
. He left a legacy of commitment to public service, prioritizing the welfare of those beneath him, and will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations 
he was indeed an icon in his own right! I think it's so cool that he prioritized his officers above all else, that 'cop's cop' vibe is super inspiring 
. It's not always easy to lead by example, but O'Grady did just that 
. His commitment to public service is something we can all learn from 
. The countless stories of his selfless acts, such as picking up tabs for fellow officers, exemplify a commitment to prioritizing those beneath him that is truly admirable 
. His legacy will live on through all his kids and grandkids who are probably super proud to be a part of his family 
. I think what really stood out about him was his willingness to put his officers first, even when controversy arose 
. He may not have been perfect, but his legacy is one of selflessness and dedication 
he wasnt even alive when i was born 
anyway i heard hes super cool cuz he took care of his fellow cops and picked up tabs for them like a boss 
... I mean, James O'Grady 
.
. Don't get me wrong, the guy was a legend and all that jazz, but all that history of corruption scandals? That's some shady stuff 
. I mean, who needs politics when you've got power and privilege, right? 
Another legendary cop bites the dust...literally. I mean, it's always sad when someone who's been in the spotlight for so long passes away. But let's be real, O'Grady was no angel. I mean, a 96-year-old guy gets caught up in a corruption scandal as sheriff? Still living large, even if it was at the expense of his colleagues... 
! James O'Grady's story is like a chapter in an epic novel - full of ups and downs, but always with this incredible sense of duty and responsibility 
.