Richard Elrod

Richard J. Elrod (February 17, 1934 – April 19, 2014) was an American jurist, sheriff, and legislator.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Elrod received his bachelors and law degrees from Northwestern University. He served as assistant corporation counsel. Elrod then served in the Illinois House of Representatives, in 1969, as a Democrat. While serving in the Illinois General Assembly, Elrod was seriously injured and left paralyzed while helping a Chicago police officer capture a man during the Days of Rage conflict in 1969. Elrod then served as Sheriff of Cook County, Illinois from 1970 to 1986. Elrod then served as Cook County, Illinois Circuit Court judge from 1988 until his death. He died of cancer in Chicago, Illinois.