Anthony Richard has been a resident of Rich Township since 1992 and has been married for more than 20 years. He has been employed at Bloom Township School District 206 and Rich Township School District 227 as a Police Liaison Officer.
Anthony was raised in Chicago in the Englewood community and graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar Vocational High School. After graduating from high school, he attended Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri. He later attended Chicago State University and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree while employed at the Illinois State Employment Security Administration, Unemployment Office.
Anthony applied to and accepted an invitation from the Illinois State Police and became a State Trooper. He had assignments with the Divisions of Patrol, Investigations, Administration and the Director’s Office. He worked all across the State in several positions and obtained a vast knowledge of governmental organizational structures and operations. He had a very successful career in law enforcement and retired as a Senior Special Agent.
Anthony is a United States Navy Veteran and served many years as a reservist at the Navy Air Station, Glenview and the Navy Operational Support Center, Great Lakes. He was recalled twice to active duty after the World Trade Center bombing and during the Iraqi War.
Anthony served as president of the Illinois Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers. He is a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and serves as the President of Xi Lambda Chapter of A Phi A Inc.’s charitable organization. He serves as a member on the Odyssey Golf Foundation Veterans Advisory Committee, Odyssey Golf Course in Tinley Park, IL.
While employed as a State Police, he was assigned to the Illinois State Police, Administration Logistic Section, as the Assistant Facilities Manager. Anthony organized, planned, implemented, and evaluated construction and facility maintenance projects. Evaluated potential lease space, directed the renewal of existing department leases, and monitored all expenditures related to facility management projects.
When, he was assigned to the Directors Office, he served as the Deputy Chief of Governmental Affairs and assisted with the formulating, executing and evaluating policies for the Office of Governmental Affairs. He coordinated intergovernmental relations and related inter- governmental activities and represented the State Police Department at meeting with other state agencies and community organizations
WHY: Many years ago when I first became a state police, I was assigned to the district which covered Kankakee, Iroquois and Ford Counties. While patrolling the rural parts of the state I became very familiar with unincorporated township structures. I observed many families living below poverty levels in some of those area and really could have benefited from additional private, public and community services. The conditions were troubling to me and I wanted to do something to help them but I transferred out of the district before implementing a plan to help.
Many years later, when I was looking for a new home I considered building a home in unincorporated Rich Township and decided on two locations. I opted out of the location due poor roads and flooding conditions. The roads and flooding were subsequently addressed by the township but I had committed to home within the village of Matteson.
So, I have been familiar with townships for many years and wanted to be involved and supportive to the township residents. I have decided now is a good time for me to take an active role with Rich Township. I believe I have the dedication, experience, knowledge and commitment to public services to serve as a Township trustee. Please help me achieve my goal of becoming a Rich Township Trustee and vote for Anthony Richard and The Integrity Party of Rich Township.