The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

OFFICER OF THE MONTH - APRIL 1999

SERGEANT FLOYD BLANKS
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) has announced the selection of Sergeant Floyd Blanks, of the Illinois State Police, as its Officer of the Month for April 1999.

Throughout his childhood, Sergeant Blanks wanted to be a police officer. He respected and admired the police officers he had met, but he wasn't sure he had what it took to be a cop. Because he wanted to help others, Sergeant Blanks started his career as a firefighter. After fighting fires for three years, he decided to reach for his dream.

In 1987, Sergeant Blanks graduated from the Illinois State Police academy. "It was the most momentous day of my life," said Blanks. From that point on he would become one of his state's Police's most dedicated and successful law enforcement officers.

Rising through the ranks quickly, Sergeant Blanks served as a member of the District Seven Drug Interdiction team. His drug interdiction work would lead him to make the biggest drug bust in Illinois State Police history. It was a seizure of 1,142 lbs. of cocaine, which was estimated to be worth up to $63,000,000, Sergeant Blanks spent 40 hours on the witness stand helping to put these drug traffickers behind bars. According to Trooper Matt Peed, "Sergeant Blanks is always there when you need him. He is a super hard worker and a dedicated officer. He's always on the lookout."

Sergeant Blanks has never fired his weapon and has an incredible 99% conviction rate. He is also an instructor for EPIC, a national drug interdiction training program headquartered in El Paso, Texas. The recipient of the Illinois State Police Meritorious Award and numerous commendations, awards and letters of recognition, Sergeant Blanks was the Fox News (KLJB-TV in Illinois) Officer of the Month in February 1992 for outstanding service to the community.

According to Captain Steven V. Struble, "Sergeant Floyd Blanks is a dedicated and hardworking officer whose primary goals are to provide the best public service possible in order to improve the quality of life for the citizens of the state of Illinois. He is courteous and respectful of others and yet can exert the right amount of firmness when the situation requires it. His work performance sets an example for others to follow."

His attention to detail and non-stop work ethic led him to the capture of two murder suspects from Texas. Most recently, Sergeant Blanks was selected to participate in a statewide strike force. Hand picked for their professionalism and ability to make successful cases, members of the strike force concentrated in various high crime areas throughout the state to reduce the criminal activity of gangs and drug traffickers, as well as working to reduce road rage and traffic fatalities.

"I'm pleased and honored an Illinois State Police (ISP) officer is being recognized by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund," said ISP Director Sam W. Nolen. "Sergeant Blanks is an exemplary officer who always represents the department in a professional manner, whether it be his everyday service to the public, consistent criminal arrests or in teaching drug interdiction at the national level."