State's Attorney James Glasgow Receives 2026 Distinguished Service Award From NIU, Now In His 8th Term

(The following press release is from Assistant State's Attorney Kelly O'Brien.)

JOLIET, IL —Will County State's Attorney James W. Glasgow is the recipient of the 2026 Distinguish Service Award by Northern Illinois University College of Law, recognizing his more than four decades of public service, professional integrity and commitment to the people of Will County.

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Glasgow was honored Wednesday, September 2, during NIU College of Law's annual award reception, where Dean Cassandra L. Hill and the NIU Law Alumni Council recognized eight outstanding alumni and friends of the law school.

Award recipients are selected for outstanding professional achievements, demonstrated service to NIU College of Law or their communities, and a commitment to the highest standards of professional integrity.

"I am honored to receive this recognition from Northern Illinois University College of Law, an institution that prepares so many for a career in public service," Glasgow said. "I have been fortunate to work alongside countless dedicated prosecutors, law enforcement officers, advocates and community partners throughout my career. This award reflects what we have accomplished together in our shared commitment to justice and safer communities."

A third-generation Will County resident, Glasgow was first elected Will County State's Attorney in 1992. Continuing his legacy as the longest-serving elected State's Attorney in Illinois, in December 2024, he was sworn in to an unprecedented eighth term.

Under his leadership, the State's Attorney's Office established the Will County Children's Advocacy Center, Problem Solving Courts, Domestic Violence Court, Animal Protection Unit and High Technology Crimes Unit, as well as specialized efforts focused on child exploitation, financial crimes against seniors, gang violence, drug addiction, mental health and veterans' needs. Glasgow also authored Illinois' Animal Torture Statute and has provided more than 30 specially trained K9 dogs to law enforcement agencies.

His career includes the successful prosecution of several high-profile cases, including the Drew Peterson murder case and the Christopher Vaughn triple-murder case.

For Glasgow, however, public service extends well beyond the courtroom.

He has championed educational programs, veterans' initiatives, charitable efforts, blood drives and partnerships with community organizations throughout Will County.

"Being a prosecutor is about more than putting people in prison," Glasgow said. "It is about preventing crime, helping people overcome the challenges that lead to criminal behavior, protecting victims and working with our community to find solutions. That philosophy has guided me throughout my career and continues to guide the work of our office today."

Glasgow earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his Juris Doctor from Northern Illinois University College of Law.

The Distinguished Service Award adds to a career defined by a commitment to justice, public safety, prevention and community service.

"I am grateful to NIU Law for this tremendous honor, and I remain humbled by the opportunity to serve the people of Will County," Glasgow remarked.