* Other governors might have made Jerry wait until after the session so he could vote with the governor’s agenda. But Gov. Bruce Rauner did the same sort of thing by appointing legislators who didn’t love his policies to top agency jobs (pro-AFSCME folks like Raymond Poe) and then replacing them with people who would be more, um, amenable…

Building on a strong team of diverse experts in their fields, Governor JB Pritzker appointed state Rep. Jerry Costello II to serve as the Director of Law Enforcement at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

“After serving his country in the battlefields of Iraq and the people of Southern Illinois in the statehouse, I’m thrilled Jerry Costello is continuing his public service by leading law enforcement at the Department of Natural Resources,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “His wide-ranging experience brings much value to an important piece of state government.”

“It’s an honor to lead the dedicated group of men and women who keep Illinoisans safe while they enjoy our state’s natural resources,” said state Rep. Jerry Costello II. “I’m excited to start this new chapter, and I thank Gov. Pritzker for the opportunity to serve.”

Background

Jerry Costello II will serve as the Director of Law Enforcement for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Costello has represented the 116th district in the Illinois House of Representatives since 2011 and currently chairs the Agriculture and Conservation committee. A graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Costello decided to serve his country by joining the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. Not long after signing up, he and his unit saw combat during Operation Desert Storm. Following his military service in Iraq, Costello returned to Illinois where he became a police officer and started a family. Initially a patrolman, he would rise through the ranks and become assistant chief of police. Born and raised in Southern Illinois, Costello lives in Smithton with his wife Lori and their three children.

Beginning his transition into the new role, Rep. Costello resigned from his House seat effective today.