Governors State Officer Taylor receives elite training

Officer Taylor

From Staff Reports

Officer Lee Taylor is a soft-spoken and unassuming figure on the campus of Governors State University (GovState). Like any good member of law enforcement, the senior tactical trainer folds himself into the background but can spot a potential threat – and he’s trained to respond, if necessary.

“I'm the eyes and ears - always watching and listening …. I like to say, ‘If you stay ready you don’t have to get ready,’ ’’ said Taylor who later this month will complete a highly selective and elite training program for Illinois first responders. He is of an estimated 50 officers selected from 31,000 across the state who will earn the certification as an Illinois Active Threat Master Instructor. Only a handful of participants represent college campuses in Illinois. 

The program, the first of its kind, is led by Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standard Board and Illinois Tactical Officers Association. Certification required participation in four, week-long training modules to develop specialized tactical skill sets and instructor materials for teaching a comprehensive active threat curriculum. Courses covered multiple scenarios from use of force, active shooter threats to urban action and included high-risk traffic stops, as well as solo officer responses.

As a Master Instructor Taylor said he will be positioned to enhance GovState’s reputation as an area resource. “We could become a hub for training in our area,” he said. “And that could mean increased enrollment in criminal justice programs.”

For first responders to advance in their careers, they often need to complete their bachelor’s degrees. 

Admission to the Masters Instructor program was very selective, focusing on officers who had instructor experience and certifications in firearms training, active threat response protocols, SWAT and rapid deployment.

A Harvey native, Taylor started building his qualifications when he joined the U.S. Army after graduating from Thornton High School. He trained as a combat medic, among other roles, and served until 2001. Taylor joined Illinois Department of Corrections as a tactical officer responding to uprisings at prisons across the state. 

In 2008, Taylor joined the public safety regiment at Governors State where he has amassed an estimated 1,300 hours in trainings to now serve as senior tactical trainer for the department. 

Executive Director of Public Safety James McGee praised Taylor’s contributions to GovState’s reputation as one of safest colleges in the state. “His strong work ethic, sense of calm under pressure, and commitment to continuous learning have made him an invaluable member of our public safety team,” said Chief McGee. 

He added that Taylor's achievement reinforces the department's commitment to a safe and secure university. “The distinction is the result of intentional work—through prevention, preparedness, and training—that involves our officers, students, faculty, and staff,’’ he said. 

With the Master Instruction certification, Taylor looks forward to continuing tactical education courses on campus and across this region. His lessons come with a message. “I want people to know Governors State is a good school where officers are well trained,’’ said Taylor.

A father and a grandfather, Taylor said the certification is the high point of a career that started when he first joined the Army at 17 years old.

“From the beginning until now, I never expected to be here,” he said. “Some people in law enforcement want to make rank, and some people want to create a legacy that will stand the test of time. I want to create a legacy where Governors State officers can handle any situation.”