Back in 1970, former Chicago Policeman and Illinois Crime Commission investigator decided he wanted to run for McHenry County Sheriff.
When I asked him in the Courthouse why he didn’t run as a Republican, he told me he was told he couldn’t..
My response was that the Party did not have authority.
Turns out he had talked to McHenry Township powerhouse Tony Varese and was told that the Reublican Party was backing McHenry County Sheriff’s Sgt. Nick Justen.
Tyrrell told me he didn’t have money to pay for gasoline, so he was going door-to-door.
There was a GOP Primary Election between incumbent Sheriff John Carroll’s wife Elvira and Justen, which Justen won.
Fast forward to the Saturday before the fall election. I was talking to Dick Hall, owner of the radio station and father of my classmate Lynn.
I made my pitch for Justen.
I hear your candidate spends a lot of time at the bar,” he said.
“He’s not an attorney,” I replied.
“Precisely my point,” Hall said.
At that point I knew Justen was in trouble.
My last week in office as McHenry County Treasurer, I went to the tailor next to the Woodstock movie theater to pick up pants that were being hemmed.
To my surprise, Tyrrell was there picking up two new suits.
In 1972, Al Jourdan convinced Tyrrell to head up Democrats for Ogilvie.
In 1977, Tyrrell hired the first female deputy. Annetta Gayle Gustafson of Fox River Grove
When Tyrrell resigned to head up security for the Henry/Lester Crown family, the County Board picked a Lake County Police Chief with the required Democratic Party credential to fill out his term. The replacement promised not to run for election..
As State Representative in 1975, I watched as U.S. Attorney Jim Thompson gave immunity to Lester crown, who admitted having given his lobbyist money to bribe legislators to pass the cement truck weight limit incree bill. Given corporate Immunity was Crown’s Material Service gravel company.
I introduced an amendment to the appropriations bill to finance the Lester Crown Weigh Station in Barrington Hills. I figured that Barrington Hills honest Village President ,Alexander MacArthur, would ensure overweight violation were enforced.
Columnist Mike Royko wrote a a piece ab ;pretybadly.out it, which must have singed Lester Crown.
How do I know?
When I bad judgment to run against incumber Republican Congressman Robert C. McClory in1982, Tyrrell hosted a fundraiser for McClory at the John Evans Inn.
His obituary follows:
Arthur Tyrrell Obituary
Arthur T. Tyrrell,
Born: October 15, 1931 in Chicago, IL
Died: November 14, 2024 in Bristol, VA
On November 14, 2024, Arthur T. Tyrrell passed away in his home surrounded by family.
He was 93 years old.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Inge; their children; Heather, Heidi, Eric, Holly, son-in-law Luke and his grandchildren; Andrea and Erika.
Arthur served in the Army during the Korean War and received a purple heart for his honorable service.
His commitment to service continued as a dedicated Chicago police officer and as one of the original members of the Illinois Crime Commission.
Later, as Sheriff of McHenry County, he attended the FBI Academy and was re-elected to office twice, a testament to his leadership and dedication.
.Known for his larger-than-life presence, Arthur was deeply respected by all who knew him-not only because of his stature, but for his integrity, honor, and unwavering devotion to both law enforcement and his family.
