HR0027 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0027 LRB104 07336 ECR 17376 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to recognize the Asian American Law Enforcement Association (AALEA) for its dedication in protecting the communities its members serve; and

WHEREAS, AALEA was founded in 1983 and serves as the voice of over 700 active and retired members of the law enforcement community in the Great Lakes Region; and

WHEREAS, Members of AALEA assist and advance the civic and cultural aims of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities; and

WHEREAS, AALEA is dedicated to developing and promoting stronger connections and collaborations between Asian American communities and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies through community service and networking; and

WHEREAS, AALEA promotes diversity within the law enforcement community and opens doors for advancement for Asian American law enforcement officers through leadership training and mentorship; and

WHEREAS, During the COVID-19 pandemic, AALEA partnered with the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels Church to provide 70 boxes of food per week to the food pantry services of senior housing complexes in various Asian communities around the city with sizable Chinese, Korean, Thai, Indian, Pakistani, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Lao, and Tibetan populations; and

WHEREAS, AALEA established the Trooper Chong Soo Lim Scholarship in honor of Trooper Chong Soo Lim of the Illinois State Police, the first Asian American officer and AALEA brother who made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of his duties in 1995; and

WHEREAS, AALEA created the Officer Xu Meng Community Appreciation Award to honor the life and legacy of Officer Xu Meng of the Chicago Police Department; and

WHEREAS, AALEA formed the Malcolm Woo Leadership Award to commemorate Officer Malcolm Woo of the Chicago Police Department (Ret.), the association's founding father, whose passionate leadership and unwavering dedication were exemplified through his active participation in community events; and

WHEREAS, AALEA also belongs to the National Asian Peace Officers' Association (NAPOA), the largest Asian American law enforcement association in America, and will host the 2025 NAPOA Annual Training Symposium and Exposition in Chicago; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the Asian American Law Enforcement Association (AALEA) for its dedication and sacrifice in serving and protecting our communities; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to AALEA as an expression of our esteem and respect.