INFORMATION FROM PHIL HASKETT (RET)

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The Honorable William (Bill) D. Maddux, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 18, 2025, surrounded by his devoted wife, family, and friends. He was 90 years old. Judge Maddux is survived by his loving wife, Debra “Debbie” Maddux, his son Joe Maddux, his daughters Anne and Meg, and cherished grandchildren. His legacy of love, leadership, and service will endure through them and the many lives he touched. Early Life and Boys Town Bill’s remarkable journey began in Omaha, Nebraska, where he entered Boys Town in 1948. He quickly distinguished himself as a natural leader and athlete. He lettered in three major sports, served as Commissioner all four years, was elected class president three years running, and in 1953 was chosen Mayor of Boys Town. He led on the football field as quarterback of the Boys Town Cowboys, earning praise as “the classy quarterback who ran the smooth-working T-formation.” His lifelong connection to Boys Town included service on its Board of Trustees, induction into the Boys Town Alumni Sports Hall of Fame (2007), and receiving the Father Flanagan Distinguished Alumnus Award (2017), the highest honor bestowed by the Alumni Association Education and Legal Career After Boys Town, Bill earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Notre Dame in 1957 and his Juris Doctor, with honors, from Georgetown University Law Center in 1959. He began his legal career at Kirkland & Ellis in Chicago, where he became partner. He later founded his own firms William D. Maddux and Associates, LTD from 1975 to 1979 (now Johnson & Bell) and William D. Maddux and Associates, LTD from 1979-1991 (now Schwartz | Jambois). Throughout his legal career, he tried over 200 jury trials, creating a reputation as a fierce advocate who always treated his opponents with respect and dignity. He earned entry as a fellow into the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers, an invite only organization reserved for exceptional trial lawyers who uphold the highest standards of advocacy and ethics. In 1991, Bill was appointed as a Judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County. A decade later, he became Presiding Judge of the Law Division, overseeing more than 70 judges. Known for his integrity, wisdom, and dedication, he championed reforms, including successfully challenging Illinois’ mandatory retirement law for judges, ensuring that future generations o judges could continue serving without forced retirement. Service, Teaching, and Legacy Beyond the bench, Judge Maddux served as Chairman of the Illinois Supreme Court Committees on Character and Fitness and Alternative Dispute Resolution, and from 2009–2014 he taught evidence as an Adjunct Professor at Kent College of Law. He prided himself on leading a purposeful work-life, which began as a newspaper delivery boy at age 8 and continued until after his 90th birthday serving as a Trustee in federal bankruptcy proceedings until the final month of his life — a fitting testament to his lifelong belief that one’s ability to serve should never be cut short by arbitrary limits. To all those who worked for him, be it as a lawyer or a judge, he was known with affection as “The Boss”, he earned the title because he commanded respect without ever raising his voice or lecturing. His never-ending support and “hands off” leadership style allowed those who served him to flourish, often emulating his quiet yet powerful management skills. A Life Well Lived To know Judge Maddux was to laugh, to learn, and to feel his deep generosity. He would want his life celebrated — not with tears, but with a toast and a smile. Judge Maddux’s life embodied the principles of Boys Town and Father Flanagan: service above self, courage in the face of challenge, and compassion for others. He leaves behind a legacy not only in the legal world but also as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. A celebration of Bill’s remarkable life will be Held soon, with details forthcoming. Bill’s family invites memorial donations to Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska, the community that shaped his early years. Obituary information for Honorable Judge William D. Maddux.

From the CPD Daily bulletin 21 Sept. 2025.

ALWAYS REMEMBERED!

John N. Bialk ............. 1916.

SPECIAL EVENT!

The Chicago Police Department Recruitment and Retention Unit, in collaboration with the Chicago Fire Department, the Office of Public Safety Administration (OPSA), the Department of Human Resources (DHR), and the City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management, proudly announces the Public Safety Community/JOB Fair. The event will take place on Saturday, 27 September, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Public Safety Headquarters, located at 3510 South Michigan Avenue. This free, family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to meet professionals from various public safety sectors. Attendees can enjoy live demonstrations, connect with on-site job recruiters and mentors, and participate in engaging activities for all ages. All community members and their families are welcome to attend. The event will be held outdoors in the Public Safety Headquarters parking lot. Please note: there will be NO PARKING ALLOWED in the Public Safety Headquarters (PSHQ) parking lot from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on the day of the event. Please see AMC #325923 for further parking restrictions and instructions.

SPORTING EVENT

The Chicago Fire FC will be honoring our local heroes on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 7:30 pm at their final regular season home match. Each ticket purchased through this offer will include a special edition police scarf. See AMC 325739 for attached flyer with QR Code for information.