HJ0051 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0051 LRB102 19178 MST 27943 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that the Illinois General Assembly pays honor and respect to the truly great individuals who have served our State and, in doing so, have made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety; and

WHEREAS, Officer Chris Oberheim was born in Decatur on October 31, 1976; and

WHEREAS, Officer Chris Oberheim began his career in law enforcement at the Decatur Police Department in 2000, where he quickly became a respected officer who led by quiet example and maintained a sense of humility even when receiving recognition for his heroic actions; he always looked forward to playing in the annual Illinois Police Benevolent and Protective Association State Softball Tournament and making memories with his fellow officers, whose friendships he treasured; and

WHEREAS, Officer Chris Oberheim transferred to the Champaign Police Department in 2008, where he continued to protect and serve his community; during his tenure, he received two Medals of Valor for his courageous acts of selfless bravery; and

WHEREAS, Officer Chris Oberheim dedicated a great deal of his time off-duty to coaching several successful girls' softball teams; his influence on the field was felt by many who loved and respected him; and

WHEREAS, Officer Chris Oberheim was not only a police officer but also a son, brother, husband, father, beloved coach, trusted friend, and respected leader; he valued his family as his first priority, and his four daughters were his absolute pride and joy; he will be remembered for being a devoted public servant, a family tradition further continued by his younger brother and his cousin who both serve as Decatur police officers; and

WHEREAS, Officer Chris Oberheim was preceded in death by his sister, LeighAnn, and his grandfather, Neil Ganley; and

WHEREAS, Officer Oberheim is survived by his wife, Amber; his daughters, Hannah, Avery, Addison, and Aubree; his parents, Ted and Mary Ann Oberheim; his siblings, Greg (Michelle), Amy, Matt (Jennifer), Joe (Chelsea), and Sarah (Jason); his in-laws; and his nieces and nephews; 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 South Side Drive in Decatur from Route 51 to Route 48 as the "Officer Chris Oberheim 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 of the "Officer Chris Oberheim Memorial Highway"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Officer Chris Oberheim, the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Champaign Police Department, the Decatur Police Department, and the Mayor of the City of Decatur.