Benjamin Billups, Jr. - Alumni Achievement Award '84 

Commander of the Investigations Division for the Joliet Police Department, Benjamin Billups, Jr., a 1984 Lewis University graduate, has distinguished himself as an outstanding member of the community in both his professional and personal life.  A Criminal/Social justice major at Lewis, Ben continued his education at Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police in Boston and the F.B.I. Academy in Quantico, Virginia. 

Employed with the City of Joliet Police Department since 1985, Commander Billups  has the distinction of being the first African-American in the department to serve in a position above sergeant.  He began his career as a patrol officer and has served the department as a field training officer, detective, Internal Affairs sergeant, and Investigations Division supervisor.  In September 2002, Ben became one of four police commanders in the department, managing the department's Technical Services Division.  His most recent assignment is to the position of commander of the Investigations Division, overseeing approximately 50 officers and all reported crime investigations. Ben’s philosophy of treating people with courtesy and respect positively affects the way that he approaches his assignments.  His knowledge and experience, fine policing skills and exceptional administrative ability have resulted in a successful career in law enforcement. 

This life philosophy is also evident in Ben’s community involvement.  He is a member of the Nu Pi Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, the Exchange Club of Joliet, the Joliet Community Action Network and the Board of Directors for the Forest Park Community Center in Joliet. He serves as President for the Black Police Officers Association of Will County and as a mentor to teens in the Save our Sons of Joliet program. Ben has received community service awards from the National Black Police Officers Association Midwest Region in 1997 and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition Joliet Affiliate in 2003, and the Man of The Year Award from St. John Missionary Baptist Church of Joliet in 2007. 

While a student at Lewis, Ben was a member of the Men’s Basketball Team and was named All-GLVC Second Team in 1984.  He continued his passion for basketball after graduation, and participated in the 2002 World Masters Games in Melbourne, Australia. Ben and his wife Eloise reside in Joliet and have two sons, Blake and Benjamin.