Ben Fapso

Driven, focused, proven leader with exceptional communication skills. Described often as calm, fair and yet firm when applicable. A proven work history accomplishing the objectives under often stressful, dynamic and rapidly changing circumstances. I have been in public service beginning in the United States Marine Corps in 1988. I enjoy the challenge of collaborating with new groups and problem solving to maintain a solid trajectory keeping the community safe and strive to make it safer. I began my law enforcement career at the Lake County Jail and upon concluding my career of twenty years at the North Chicago Police Department, I have continued to seek innovative ways to increase morale, build unit cohesion and teamwork by leading by the example of honesty, integrity and responsibility.

Notable Achievements and Awards

• January 2004: Awarded the Supervisor's Award at the Illinois State Police Academy for outstanding performance, dedication and achievement.
• January 2004: President's award: Illinois State Police Academy for leadership abilities and contributions to fellow classmates while serving as President of 400 hour Basic Training Course for Law Enforcement Officers. Class 400-80 Illinois State Police Academy.
• September 2005-2008: Letter of Recognition from Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives/ATF. Recognized by Special Agent in Charge W. Larry Ford for "Exemplary performance, knowledge and aptitude." "..an outstanding representative of your Department."
• 2007: Lake County Metro Enforcent Group Director's Award: Narcotics investigation; outstanding achievement.
• 2008: Chicago Crime Commissions Stars of Distinction award for outstanding task force collaboration and performance relating to the Gordon Jimenez-Vasquez Drug Trafficking Organization/DTO.
• 2009: Lake County Metro Enforcement Group Director's Award: Recognition for investigative skill and tireless effort in Arthur Wittert narcotics arrest.
• 2010: Lake County Metro Enforcement Group Director's Award: Investigative Skill and tireless effort in Danyelle Taylor narcotics investigation.
• 2010 Lake County Metro Enforcement Group Director's Award: Awarded for my courage, performance and professionalism in the Mycol French investigation, "Whereupon your quick thinking and commitment to your fellow officers, French's aggressive and life threatening actions were stopped. "
• 2011: Lake County Metro Enforcement Group Director's Award: For your investigative skill and and tireless effort for a three month period that resulted in twenty-five narcotics and weapons arrests.
• 2011: Lake County Metro Enforcement Group Director's Award: For your investigative skill and tireless effort during a three day investigation that resulted in the seizure of 170 lbs. of cannabis and the seizure of $617,630.00 from the Waukegan Airport.
• 2011: Lake County Metro Enforcement Group Director's Award: For your investigative skill and tireless effort in the Joseph Hernandez investigation and the seizure of five firearms, cannabis and U.S. Currency.
• 2012: North Chicago Police Department: Letter of Appreciation: " A recognized leader with an easy going demeanor, who has taught, guided, instructed and assisted officers of NCPD. Fapso's efforts raised the productivity, morale and professionalism of the police department, proving you can be productive, while being professional at all times."
• 2013 Lake County Metro Enforcement Group Director's Award: For your investigative skill and tireless effort in the Jim McPherson homicide investigation. Janay McFarland, an 18 year old gir, suffered a gunshot wound to the head as a result of gang shooting. Upon arriving on scene, rendering aid, coordinating numerous law enforcement agencies on scene, Agent Fapso was able to arrest the suspect Jim McPherson within three hours, resulting in a murder conviction and the seizure of three firearms.
• 2015 Lake County Metro Enforcement Group Director's Award: For the recognition of your skill and dedication during the periods of January 1st, 2015- December 2015, leading a three-man team to make over 200 arrests, the seizure of twelve firearms, siezing $14,650.00, 1,200 grams of cannabis, 50 grams of cocaine, 10 grams of heroin and the successful arrest of six homicide suspects. "Your dedication and commitment is to be recognized."
• 2017: North Chicago Police Department: Certificate of Commendation. Sgt. Fapso and members of Third Shift Patrol arrived on the scene of a subject suffering a gunshot wound. Officers immediately rendered aid, applying pressure dressings to the gunshot wound. A canvass of the area and witness statements lead to the recovery of two firearms, felony stop of a suspect vehicle resulted in three suspects detained; despite continuous service call volume and minimal staffing, the Third Shift patrol was able to conduct a thorough investigation. Members of the Third Shift patrol went above and beyond the Call of Duty.
• 2018 North Chicago Police Department Certificate of Commendation: Sgt. Ben Fapso and Officer Laracuente were conducting an investigation at T & T Diner for a subject with a gun. The suspect, Eric Harris, drove by the diner while Sgt. Fapso and Ofc. Laracuente were conducting the investigation and fired a round from his hanggun. Sgt. Fapso drove to the last known address of Harris. Harris was observed by Sgt. Fapso to exit his residence waving a handgun. As the officers approached, Harris fired his handgun. Sgt. Fapso and Ofc. Laracuente took cover, and successfully talked Harris into dropping his handgun and surrendering without incident."
• 2021: North Chicago Police Department: Letter of Appreciation. Child Abduction. Sgt. Fapso coordinated a successful operation with members of North Chicago Police Department that led to the apprehension of a subject wanted for child abduction. The child was returned unharmed and the suspect surrendered without incident.
• 2023: North Chicago Police Department: Armed, Barricaded subject. Sgt. Fapso coordinated an operation during an armed, barricaded subject that led to the suspect surrending without incident and a stolen firearm being seized.