HR1197 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1197 LRB098 21735 GRL 60588 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate James "Jim" Berry on the occasion of his retirement as Chief of the Lexington Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, James Berry earned his First Fire Fighter III and First Instructor II certifications in McLean County; he also served as an Instructor for University of Illinois Fire Service Institute; and

WHEREAS, James Berry served with the Lexington Fire Department since June of 1980 and has served as the Department's fire chief since 1994; and

WHEREAS, During his career, James Berry led the Lexington Fire Department and other departments in fighting several major fires, including the Myers fire in 1990, the Lexington High School fire in 2002, the Lexington Fire Station fire in 2002, and several other structure fires in Lexington and other neighboring communities; he also replaced 4 fire trucks during his career; and

WHEREAS, James Berry is an avid wood worker; and

WHEREAS, James Berry and his wife, Kay Berry, have 3 children, Luke Berry, Shawnalee Smith, and Erin Finnigsmier; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate James "Jim" Berry on the occasion of his retirement and wish him continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to James Berry as a symbol of our esteem and respect.