Rochester Man to Join Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Following the review of a record-setting number of nominations for the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame, the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) announced today that David Risley of Rochester is a 2022 honoree in the community service category.

"Throughout his career as a prosecuting attorney, David Risley helped keep the community safe; but his contributions extend far beyond the courtroom," said IDoA Director Paula Basta. "Risley's most recent project, a podcast he hosts alongside his former defendant-turned-friend, explores the root causes of crime and the importance of upholding a fair and equitable justice system for victims, defendants, and the community at large."

The Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame was established by the General Assembly in 1994 to honor older adults' accomplishments and contributions to their communities. Each year, IDoA presents Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame awards to older adults who excel in the categories of community service, education, performance and/or graphic arts, and the labor force. This year, tied scores in the community service category resulted in a total of five older adults joining the Hall of Fame, one more than the traditional four annual inductees.

A former career federal prosecutor and Director of Public Safety Policy in the Illinois Governor's office, Risley, 70, founded and hosts a podcast called "Justice Voices." His podcast amplifies the stories and voices of people with lived experiences with crime and the criminal justice system, including topics such as reentry to community life after prison, the prison experience, restorative justice, effective policing, and community efforts to prevent and combat crime.

IDoA is hosting an award ceremony to honor Risley on Thursday, Nov. 3 at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 3601 Buckeye Dr. in Springfield. The ceremony is closed to the public but open to the press.

IDoA serves and advocates for older Illinoisans and their caregivers by administering quality and culturally appropriate programs that promote partnerships and encourage independence, dignity, and quality of life. For information about the Department's programs and services for older adults and persons with disabilities, visit https://www2.illinois.gov/aging/programs or contact the Senior HelpLine toll-free at 1-800-252-8966, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.