A native of East Chicago, Indiana, and one of seven children, George Pabey has dedicated his career to public service and his community. Throughout his entire career, he has earned praise for his leadership and integrity. 

George’s strong family values set the tone for his life and career. His close-knit, supportive family instilled in him at an early age the importance of hard work, accountability, and community service. These values paved the way for George’s decision to serve the people of East Chicago as a police officer in 1972. 

During his 22 years of service, he quickly rose through the ranks of the Police Department where his leadership abilities did not go unnoticed.  He served in the Narcotics Unit where his talents were instrumental in creating the Gang Unit, and in 1990, he was appointed Chief of Police.   The private sector also took notice.  In 1997, after his retirement from the police department, a nationally known casino selected him as director of security for their East Chicago operation.

His political career began in 1999 when he was elected to East Chicago’s Common Council after campaigning on a platform of providing safer streets, reinvigorating neighborhoods and empowering people.

George’s political career made history October 26, 2004 when he won the nomination for Mayor of East Chicago and became the first Hispanic Democrat in Northwest Indiana to accomplish such an historical breakthrough. Colleagues have hailed George as an “innovator and a visionary,” responsible for finally bringing honest and effective government and big goals to the City of East Chicago.

George and his wife Hilda have two children, Maria Lisette and Anthony, and two grandchildren.