Leonard Sakoda - First Asian American Trooper commissioned in the Illinois State Police.

On June 28, 1977, Leonard Sakoda reported to the Illinois State Police Academy as a member of Cadet Class 55. Upon graduation, Sakoda became the first Asian American to be commissioned as a Trooper in the Illinois State Police. Sakoda, who would go on to be promoted to Master Sergeant, also served as the first ISP Executive Board Member of the Asian American Law Enforcement Association (AALEA). A position he held until his retirement on December 31, 2004.

Former ISP District 22 Captain Harold Masse was the first Asian American to achieve the rank of Captain in 2005.

Trooper Lorraine C. Ishida, the first Asian-Pacific American female Trooper, graduated with Cadet Class 116 and worked in District Chicago. She is currently employed with the Honolulu Police Department.

Retired Major Roy Sanji was the first Asian American to achieve an appointed rank with the Illinois State Police when he was promoted to Region II Major in 2012.

In 2021, Lieutenant Colonel The’ Tran (left) became the first Asian American to be appointed to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, which is the highest rank attained by an Asian American within the Illinois State Police.