John Gaw

About

     John grew up in Elmhurst, IL and graduated from York High school. Following high school, he served four years in the Marine Corps infantry, to include combat service during Desert Storm.  He began his career as a municipal police officer in 1993, and still serves in a sworn capacity.  In addition to general duties as a police officer, John has served in numerous specialty assignments, to include: Traffic Crash Reconstruction Specialist, Evidence Technician, Firearms Instructor, and Juvenile Officer; he is also SWAT Certified and has served on his department's Special Response Team.  John is a certified Force Science Analyst, and a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.
     In addition to serving as a police officer, John has served several terms as a Board member of his Local Union, to include 12 years as the Union President for his Local Chapter.  As Chapter President, John represented his local in collective bargaining matters, and individual members in disciplinary matters.  As a Union representative, he obtained excellent results for his members at the bargaining table, in arbitration, and in disciplinary matters.  John also has experience in the governance of local pension funds, having served as a Pension Board Trustee for 8 years.
     While serving as a full time police officer, John continued and completed his education. He received his Bachelor degree from Benedictine University, and his Juris Doctor degree from the Northern Illinois University College of Law.  John is licensed to practice law in State Courts for both Illinois and Indiana; he has also been admitted to practice law in Federal Courts for the Northern District of Illinois, the Northern District of Indiana, the Southern District of Indiana, and the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
     John brings 25 years of police experience, and 15 years of experience as Union Steward to the table. He looks forward to serving his brothers and sisters in the future by representing their legal interests.