Novacich honored for service to Cross-River Crime Task Force; Pulido appointed as new Commander
Shown from left are are Jeff Connor, Nick Novacich, Marcos Pulido and Tom Haine. (Courtesy Cross-River Crime Task Force)
Commander Nick Novacich was honored Tuesday for his service to the Cross-River Crime Task Force, and Chief Deputy Marcos Pulido of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office was appointed as the new Commander of the Task Force.
State’s Attorney Tom Haine, who was instrumental in the Task Force’s formation in 2021, and Sheriff Jeff Connor, who served as its first commander, presented a plaque to Novacich for his service.
Novacich, who also serves as Granite City Police Chief, was appointed commander of the Task Force in 2022.
“Commander Novacich has led the Cross-River Crime Task Force with honor and distinction, and has helped to shape it into a dynamic unit that is having a positive impact,” Haine said. “The citizens of Madison County thank him for his service and commitment.”
Connor said: “Under the leadership of Nick Novacich, this Task Force has continued to fulfill its mission of addressing public-safety problems by conducting precision operations — utilizing a team of elite officers and the latest technological advances in law enforcement. The Cross-River Crime Task Force has achieved impressive results under his command.”
The Cross-River Crime Task Force’s accomplishments under Novacich’s tenure include:
- 11 deployments involving more than 200 law enforcement officials from local, state, and federal agencies.
- Deployments covered key areas including Bethalto, Alton, Wood River, East Alton, Pontoon Beach, Granite City, Collinsville, State Park, Madison, and Venice.
- More than 1,000 traffic stops conducted as part of efforts to uphold the law and protect
- Approximately 60 illegally-possessed firearms
- Seizure of substantial quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and
- Received prestigious Unit Award from the Southwestern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission and Southern Illinois Police Chiefs Association in recognition of the Task Force’s efforts in reducing crime and promoting public safety.
Novacich credited the Task Force’s team members.
“Over the past two years, we have been unwavering in our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities,” Novacich said. “The team’s mission is far from over, but together, with the continued support of our legal partners and the unwavering dedication of our officers, we will continue to protect and serve our communities with honor and resolve. Thank you to all who participated and worked diligently to preserve the safety of our community.”
Pulido said his goal for the Task Force is to continue to develop and employ cutting-edge tools to prevent crime.
“We will continue to be visible in our County, adapting to investigating new crime trends, while using innovative tools to combat criminal behavior,” Pulido said. “We are committed to a long-term investment to protect people in Madison County.”
Before being named Chief Deputy at the Sheriff’s Office in 2022, Pulido served more than 22 years at Alton Police Department, including as Chief of Police. He also has served as a Deputy Commander for the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis.
Connor said, “I’m confident that Marcos Pulido’s leadership experience will allow the Cross-River Crime Task Force to continue to improve community safety in our County.”
The Cross-River Crime Task Force, comprised of officers from federal, state, county and local agencies, uses targeted deployments and leading-edge technology such as Automated License Plate Readers to reduce the flow of crime into Madison County. It is governed by the Sheriff, State’s Attorney and a committee of leaders from local law enforcement agencies.
