Retired U.S. marshal to lead Lightfoot’s security detail
In a break with tradition, Mayor Lori Lightfoot will hire a retired deputy U.S. marshal to run her security detail, with one mayoral aide noting that “it’s a dangerous time in our country.”
Police Supt. Eddie Johnson on Monday told the Chicago SunTimes, “We don’t really comment on executive protection, but at the end of the day, the mayor has to be comfortable with her detail.”
Johnson said he believes Lightfoot has confidence in the police.
“This is her police department now,” he said.
The retired deputy marshal is James M. Smith, a managing member of a private security company called Silver Star Protection. Smith declined comment Monday.
The mayor’s security detail has been traditionally run by active-duty police officials.
An aide to Lightfoot, who asked not to be named, said “four or five” retired officials from law enforcement agencies other than the Chicago Police Department will work with Chicago officers on the security detail. Asked if Smith is being hired because of an increased threat, the aide said, “Just think about it. It’s a very dangerous time in our country.”
The aide also said Lightfoot has “faith and trust” in the CPD.
Lightfoot’s decision did not sit well with the Fraternal Order of Police.
“For as long as anyone can remember, Chicago police have provided the security for the mayor of this city. They have done an outstanding job, no matter who was the mayor,” FOP President Kevin Graham wrote in an email to the Sun-Times. “Those jobs are done by Chicago police officers and we at the FOP intend to keep it that way.” The statement did not say whether the union planned to file a grievance.