A statewide organization dedicated to promoting responsible fatherhood on Thursday honored Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart as a standout dad and community leader.
The Illinois Fatherhood Initiative recognized Dart for reaching out and making a difference in the lives of children and teens. Dart was sworn in for his second term as sheriff on Wednesday.
For his efforts, Dart received the 2010 Ricky Byrdsong Award, which was created 10 years ago in honor of Byrdsong, a former Northwestern basketball coach and father of three. Byrdsong was who was murdered while jogging with his children.
Dart, who has five children of his own, is known nationally for imposing moratoriums on foreclosure evictions. He had contemplated throwing his hat in the race to replace Mayor Richard Daley, but true to the spirit that won him the Byrdsong Award, Dart decided instead to devote time to his family.
