Congratulations to the following candidates who were elected for the Permanent Board for the Police Officers’ Pension Investment Fund:
Lee Catavu, Aurora Police Department
I have been a police officer since 2004 and currently serve as an Aurora police officer. I have had experience as a detective and field training officer. I also serve as Secretary of the Aurora Police Pension Fund, which is the largest Article 3 fund in the State, with a quarter of a billion dollars in assets. In addition I am the President of the union representing the Aurora police officers. I have dedicated my professional career to looking out for the best interests of the brave men and women who go out everyday and put their necks on the line. I have several ideas to ensure a proper and ethical administration of our funds for the benefit of us, and our families. I invite any of you to contact me directly at PRESIDENT@AURORAAPPO.ORG if I can be of any assistance to you. I will always make myself available to you and humbly ask for your vote in the upcoming election for active trustee of our pension investment fund board. Thank you for your service.
Shawn Curry, Peoria Police Department
I began my police career in 1996 with the Woodford County Sheriff’s Department. While at the Sheriff’s Department, I worked corrections, court security, and patrol. In 2003, I was named Deputy of the Year. I also served as Treasurer of FOP Lodge # 228 for six years. In 2004, I started with the Peoria Police Dept. Most of my time in Peoria has been spent being assigned to the Criminal Investigations-Violent Crime Unit. I served on the Peoria Police Benevolent Unit #27 executive board before being elected to the Peoria Police Pension Fund where I currently serve as President. I have served on the Peoria Police Pension Fund for the past 11 years. I have also served as Chair of the Peoria Police PAC Committee, VP of the Illinois Public Pension Fund Association, Legislative Chair for the IPPFA, and Chair of the IPOPIF Transition Board. I wrote the Public Safety Suicide Prevention Act and I am a Saving Blue Lives Instructor. I have been honored with 5 Distinguished Service Awards, was selected as the Peoria Police Officer of the Year in 2010 and received the Peoria Police Meritorious Service Award in 2018. I was selected as the IPPFA Person of the Year in 2019 for my work on Officer Mental Health and Awareness efforts. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 309-231-3945.
Paul Swanlund, Bloomington Police Department
I was hired by the Bloomington Police Department in 2003 and worked in the Patrol Division for 13 years. In 2016, I was selected to be a part of the Detective Division and was primarily assigned Financial Crimes cases. In October of 2019, I was assigned to the Digital Forensics Unit where the primary focus is on cell phone and computer forensics. I have had the privilege of serving on our department’s Pension Board since 2014 and currently serve as President of this board. I also serve on our Union’s Grievance Committee. I have been the recipient of numerous Letters of Commendation and a Unit Citation. If elected to this board, my goal will be to make sure the best companies and people are hired to maximize the returns on our investments and to keep state politics out of that decision making process. I can be reached at 309-275-7973 if you have any questions or concerns you would like to address directly with me.
