The founder of Secure 1776, Thomas Lemmer, will once again be presenting at the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP) Annual Conference. This year the conference will be held on April 29th through May 1st at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield, Illinois. This is the sixth annual ILACP annual conference at which Lemmer will have presented. This year his presentation will be “Iron Sharpens Iron: Gratitude in the Face of Adversity.” This course expands the exploration of his Gratitude Leading Leadership Model. The extent to which a police agency is able to meet its mission is impacted by the extent to which it is an environment that embraces gratitude. This truth is most evident when we truly acknowledge the reality of adversity in the world in which we ask our police officers to perform their duties.
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Gratitude and Adversity
In life there is suffering, and evil is real. Understanding these two core truths is essential, particularly for those who serve as peace officers. The role of the police officer was never intended to be an easy one. It was created because evil exists, and suffering is increased when evil is left unchecked. The weight of the work we send our police officers to perform has significant wellness implications.
Without question, policing is a challenging profession. This is true in cities like Chicago, and everywhere else. Human nature allows us to take on even the greatest challenges when we believe our efforts are appreciated. Is gratitude possible, even essential when things are difficult? After more than 34 years of active service in the Chicago Police Department adversity standouts as a point requiring far more instruction.
In every life there will be trials and tribulations. Adversity tests our readiness and commitment, and reveals our character. Yes, we want our police officers to get through the trials that they will encounter. But, just getting through adversity should not be their goal or ours. Whenever adversity comes, we must remember and instruct that iron sharpens iron. Adversity provides the means from which endurance and strength can be built. Our communities are stronger and safer when our police officers endure adversity well and emerge stronger, with a renewed sense of faith and purpose. Of this we all have reason for gratitude.
Register and Attend the Conference
Law enforcement personnel, and professionals in related fields and government officials can register for the upcoming ILACP conference here. Lemmer will be presenting in the morning session on Friday, 1 May 2026 from 10:00 to 11:30 am in Plaza D.
Learn More About Gratitude and Leadership
Lemmer has instructed: “Gratitude must be a guiding factor in how police leaders perform their duties. How they express appreciation is important. When members go ‘above and beyond’ their assigned duties do supervisors express gratitude? Doing so provides encouragement to all members to embrace their duties. Failing to do so can leave those putting in the greatest effort to conclude their efforts are not valued.”
He continued on the power and impact of gratitude: “People receiving gratitude tend to become more grateful themselves, and grateful people experience improved physical and mental health. They are more optimistic, and deal with adversity better. These are clearly valuable traits to encourage among our officers.”
Lemmer’s article Police Leaders Need to Do Better on Gratitude was published in the Winter 2025 issue of Command Magazine by the ILACP. Read the full article here.
Learn how to bring Gratitude Leading Leadership to your agency by going here.
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