SJ0043 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SJ0043 LRB102 22775 MST 31923 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that the Illinois General Assembly pays honor and respect to those individuals who have given their lives in service to their communities; and

WHEREAS, On May 19, 2021, at approximately 3:20 a.m., Champaign Police Officer Christopher Oberheim, badge number 703, was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call at an apartment complex in the 3200 block of North Neil Street; and

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

WHEREAS, Officer 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 PBPA State Softball Tournament and making memories with his fellow officers, whose friendships he treasured; and

WHEREAS, Officer 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 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, At the time of his passing, Officer Oberheim was 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 SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate the section of I-72 between Decatur and Champaign as the "Officer 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 "Officer Oberheim Memorial Highway"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Officer Oberheim and the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation.