CHICAGO – March 11, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today released a statement regarding the passing of former Illinois Department of Corrections director Roger Walker Jr..

"Roger was a great guy, a history- maker and a man of the community.

"As the first elected black sheriff in Illinois history, Roger made a difference in Macon County. As director of the Department of Corrections and later a member of the Prisoner Review Board, he made a difference throughout Illinois.

"Roger believed in power of the law, and he proudly upheld the law. He loved democracy. We won't soon see someone like him again."