IWIL Lunch Meeting

Detective Tamara “Tami” Russell, a 19½-year veteran of the Springfield Police Department and a pioneering leader in law enforcement will speak on Strength in Every Hat: A Journey of Grit, Grace, and Growth. Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Tamara has dedicated her life to serving the very community that shaped her. As the first female president of the Police Benevolent and Protective Association Unit #5, which represents Springfield Police Officers and Sergeants, she has been a steadfast advocate for justice, progress, and representation in a field where women remain underrepresented. Tamara is also a proud 7-year breast cancer survivor — a journey that transformed her outlook and led her to walk the runway at Fashion Week, representing strength, survivorship, and self-love. Her exceptional service and leadership have been recognized with the Abraham Lincoln Award and the Silver Schwarz Award. Beyond the badge and spotlight, Tamara finds her greatest joy at home. She is the devoted wife of Chief Christopher Russell, Chief of Police at Lincoln Land Community College, and the proud mother of a blended family that includes two biological children and three stepchildren — along with being a dedicated dog mom. Detective Tamara Russell is living proof that you can wear many hats — detective, leader, survivor, model, wife, and mom — and wear them all with strength, grace, and authenticity.