HJ0025 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0025 LRB102 17724 MST 23743 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that the Illinois General Assembly pays respect to Captain Jacob "Jake" Ringering by honoring him with a memorial highway; and

WHEREAS, Jake Ringering passed away in the line of duty on March 5, 2019 at the age of 37; he was born on December 14, 1981 in Alton; he graduated from East Alton Wood River High School in 2000 and from Lewis & Clark Community College in 2004 with an Associate's Degree in Fire Science; he also earned his Emergency Medical Technician License; and

WHEREAS, Jake Ringering began his long career as a firefighter in East Alton on February 20, 2001; he was hired as a career firefighter at East Alton on December 20, 2005; on August 5, 2010, he was hired as a career firefighter with the Godfrey Fire Protection District, where he attained the rank of lieutenant on March 27, 2013 and captain on May 1, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Jake Ringering was the technical rescue officer, respiratory protection officer, and lead instructor for the Godfrey Fire Protection District; he earned Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal Certification in Firefighter II, Firefighter III, Basic Operations Firefighter, Advanced Technician Firefighter, Fire Officer I, Hazardous Materials Awareness, Technical Rescue Awareness, Fire Service Vehicle Operator, Fire Apparatus Engineer, Vehicle and Machinery Operations, Rescue Specialist-Confined Space, Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations, Rope Operations, Fire Service Instructor I, Fire Service Instructor II, Fire Investigator, and Rescue Specialist-Vertical II/High Angle; and

WHEREAS, As a result of his dedication to public service, Jake Ringering impacted many lives, and countless individuals are alive today as a testament; he served as president of the Godfrey Firefighters Local 1692 and taught fire science at Lewis & Clark Community College; he was also a trainer/instructor through Max Fire Training and a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alton; and

WHEREAS, Jake Ringering was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lucien and Majorie Ringering, and Captain Ed Ballard; and

WHEREAS, At the time of his death, Jake Ringering was survived by his wife, Allison Ringering; his children, Nora Marie Ringering, Elaina Lynn Ringering, and Logan Jacob Ringering; his parents, Robin Ballard Disney and her husband, Reverend Stephen Disney, and Larry Ringering and his wife, Jan; his brother, Chris Stratton (Richel); his sister, Julie Downs (Jedediah); his grandmother, Thelma Ballard; Allison's parents, Robert and Susan Budde; his sister-in-law, Andrea Budde; his brother-in-law, Andrew Budde; his nieces and nephews, Jaden, Jerald, Jolene, and Jacqueline Downs, Landon and Levi Stratton, and Jackson Budde; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; and

WHEREAS, Jake Ringering was the most devoted husband and father to his family and always put them first in his life; he was a leader and always wanted to help others; he was a loving son, brother, and in-law, who never met a stranger; he was loved by many people, and everyone he met called him a friend; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate West Delmar Avenue in Godfrey as it travels between Pierce Lane and Valhalla Cemetery as "The Captain Jake Ringering Memorial Highway"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Illinois Department of Transportation is requested to erect at suitable locations, consistent with State and federal regulations, appropriate plaques or signs giving notice of the name "The Captain Jake Ringering Memorial Highway"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Captain Jake Ringering, the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Mayor of the Village of Godfrey.