In a blistering news conference Tuesday, Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin unloaded on Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain for Hain’s comments during a commemoration service for K9 Officer Hudson held last week.
“What we saw last week was indicative of the Sheriff Ron Hain playbook,” said Irvin. “Pointing the finger. Blaming others. Lying outright. And attempting to make himself look good in spite of evidence to the contrary.”
Irvin was responding to Hain’s comments during a commemoration ceremony for K9 Officer Hudson last week when, speaking just after a moment of silence was held for the K9 officer who was killed in the line of duty in a shootout in May, Hain used the occassion to directly blame Aurora mayor Richard Irvin not only for the tragic events of that day but also a general lack of cooperation with Hain’s office that puts lives in jeapordy.
“In May, the city of Aurora mayor [Irvin] made comments about me and my office, but mainly about me, that were degrading and untruthful and reckless regarding this incident,” Hain stated.
Hain was referring to complaints by Irvin and Aurora Police Department after the May incident accusing Hain’s office of interrupting an APD undercover operation that would have captured the subject the day before the incident had the Sheriff’s office not interfered.
“I have offered for the last six years to integrate 9 deputies and 1 supervisor to the Aurora Police Deprtment…which has fallen on deaf ears,” Hain said. Then, turning to the commemorative statue of K9 Hudson, he concluded “This is the outcome of what happens when you refuse to communicate.”
“I’m very disappointed in the behavior of the [Aurora] mayor and police administration.”
On Tuesday, Irvin and Aurora Police Chief Keith Cross responded directly to Hain’s comments.
Irvin took issue with Hain’s accusations regarding lack of cooperation from the APD, calling them “flat-out lies.”
Irvin also pointed out that Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser, who attended the ceremony with Hain, publicly disavowed Hain’s comments after the ceremony, stating that she “respectfully disagrees” with laying the blame on the APD and Irvin.
“Sheriff Hain seems a bit disconnected if he believes our agencies aren’t collaborating,” said Chief Cross. “It’s unfortunate that the Sheriff has taken several opportunities to cast stones at our organization and our city. It’s uncalled for, unwarranted, and unprofessional.”
The incident remains under investigation by the Major Crimes Task Force.
