Page 24 - May 2020

Front Man
Bill Nolan’s dedication to Chicago Police Officers, desire to help anybody who asked and belief that any- thing can be accomplished with hard work made him an iconic FOP leader
By Mitchell Krugel
Law enforcement officers began a march through Washing- ton, D.C. en route to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial on Oct. 15, 1991. The dedication of this hallowed ground was about to take place, and the ranks assembled into a massive legion set to honor the profession’s most venerable heroes.
An officer from Baltimore joined the leaders of the pack. He had been shot on the job and lost the use of his legs. To raise awareness for the Memorial, he had walked on crutches from Newark, Delaware to D.C. Alongside him on this march through D.C. was retired Chicago Police Officer and rising Hollywood star Dennis Farina. Next to the soon-to-be “Law and Order” star walked Bill Nolan.
Out in front, leading the officers – the women and men he loved and lived to help – came to be Nolan’s destiny. Nolan’s leadership created so much for so many. As Chicago Lodge 7 president for nine years, he steered the union to some of its most fruitful collective bargaining agreements ever. As an Eas- terseals Chicago board member, he led the way for a school and rec center to be built for children with disabilities. As a National FOP board member, he led efforts to lobby for legislation to in- crease support for the police.
All the while, Nolan led with the greatest integrity and gen- tlemanly manner that set a standard for union leadership throughout the U.S.
William J. Nolan passed away on April 21, four days shy of his 85th birthday. His following only begins with his magnificent wife and companion, Carol, his five children, nine grandchil- dren and two great-grandchildren. The second Chicago FOP president, who served three consecutive terms from 1993 to 2002, made an impact on thousands of Chicago Police Officers by truly living life according to a simple philosophy that there isn’t anything that can’t be done.
“Bill’s legacy is strong leadership,” confirmed Bob Podgorny, who served as Nolan’s first vice president for all three terms. “He
24 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ MAY 2020
“If you drew a picture of a good Chicago cop, it would look like Bill.”
-Ken Hauser
was vocal, direct and magnanimous, but it was always about the women and men of the police department. He had to take the wrong political side sometimes, but everything he did was for the troops.”
He never said “no”
The COVID-19 pandemic limited attendance at Nolan’s fu- neral to family. A few friends gathered outside the church in Huntley hoping to pay their respects and perhaps say a final farewell.
Bill Nolan joined Chicago Lodge 7 presidents past and present on the night they were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards by the Knights of Columbus.