Cicero Town President Larry Dominick has lived in the Town of Cicero for more than 50 years, served as a Cicero police officer and deputy chief, and this year celebrates his 20th year as the Town’s Chief Executive Officer.
Under his leadership, Dominick has led a campaign to confront street gangs, significantly reducing their activity, establishing a Senior Center that offers services unparalleled in the country, expanding Health Department services for residents, building a state-of-the-art animal shelter, attracting dozens of the nation’s largest retail businesses to bring more jobs to residents, constructing new parks for local families and children—including one specifically for children with disabilities—holding the line on property taxes and fees, absorbing the majority of Chicago-driven water fee increases, and bolstering both the Police and Fire Departments to further enhance safety.
Under President Dominick’s leadership, Cicero launched a Crime Information Center to help police officers quickly respond to emergency calls and further increase town safety.
At the recent groundbreaking of the Phil Fuentes Ability Park for disabled children, Dominick said, “From day one, I have said I want to make one kid’s life better every day. And I guarantee you, we have done that. We have a great team here. Everyone works together. There is no ‘me.’ It is all us,” sharing responsibility with the Town’s elected Board of Trustees.
A graduate of Morton East High School, Dominick attended Morton Community College before entering public service to the people of the Town of Cicero. After 14 years of working in the Cicero Streets Department, Larry joined the Cicero Police Department, where he retired as Deputy Superintendent after 20 years of service.
In February 2005, Dominick resumed his public service to the Town of Cicero, winning election to a four-year term as President. He was sworn into office on May 10, 2005. One of his first priorities was to tackle the Town’s street gang problem. Using his knowledge as a police commander, Dominick has significantly reduced street gang-related crimes. In 2010, Cicero was named among the top 20 Safest Cities in America by House Hunt Online. Whereas Cicero saw 16 gang-related killings prior to 2005, last year saw only one gang-related homicide.
To successfully fight street gangs, communities need resident involvement and a professional police unit dedicated to fighting street gangs. Dominick has created public events and celebrations that bring residents together out of their homes. Cicero has a strong anti-street gang police unit, an aggressive anti-graffiti program, and a zero-tolerance policy for street gang activity.
“Street gangs thrive on communities that live in fear and residents who shut themselves in their homes,” Dominick explains.
“By encouraging our residents to become engaged in their neighborhoods, and by creating programs that involve parents in our schools, such as our Parent Patrols, we send a strong anti-street gang message that works. In addition to strong leadership, that campaign to reduce crime has been the foundation of much of our success.”
As a result of his leadership, President Dominick organized a regional campaign to pressure the federal government to provide $96 million for flood relief, to expand on the Town’s program to build Green Alleys, provide funding to homeowners to install backup valves, replace water pipes, and improve rainfall runoff away from homes. Cicero was one of only three major cities in the country to receive disaster relief covering 24 states and counties totaling $12 billion.