SR0406 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0406 LRB103 33235 ECR 63044 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Gibson the service dog, who passed away on July 17, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Gibson, an eight-year-old Black Lab, was a certified service dog, serving as part of the Facility Dog Program and the Victim-Witness Program; he was the first service dog for Sangamon County, and his three handlers worked with the Courthouse Dogs Foundation out of Bellevue, Washington and trained with Duo Dogs, Inc. in St. Louis; he was one of 302 dogs working in courthouses in 41 states, which includes 11 sites in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Gibson was a fixture at the Sangamon County Courthouse, where he comforted adults, children, veterans, and anyone experiencing trauma, pain, or anxiety while in court; he served the citizens of Sangamon County for six years and had been a familiar presence around the courthouse since 2017; he accompanied people into the courtroom and was used at the Sangamon County Child Advocacy Center when police and prosecutors were conducting forensic interviews with children; he served victims in federal court and provided outreach and education to school children, healthcare facilities, and community organizations; and

WHEREAS, Gibson will be remembered as a beautiful, loving, and soulful dog; he provided an immeasurable service to the law enforcement community in general and was known for his support of first responders in particular; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Gibson the service dog and extend our sincere condolences to his handlers, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Gibson's handlers, Diane Bell, Holli Gleason, and Sangamon County Victim Witness Coordinator Tami Richmond, as an expression of our deepest sympathy.