HR0584 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0584 LRB104 16831 MST 30240 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Park Forest Police Officer Tim Jones, who passed away on December 3, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Officer Jones joined the Park Forest Police Department in June 2015, bringing with him a deep sense of duty, compassion, and professionalism as a second-generation police officer dedicated to serving and protecting the public; and

WHEREAS, Officer Jones was critically wounded in the line of duty on March 19, 2016 while taking an armed offender into custody, sustaining life-threatening injuries that marked the beginning of a nearly decade-long journey defined by extraordinary resilience and courage; and

WHEREAS, Officer Jones' remarkable fight for life inspired the Village of Park Forest, the region, and supporters across the nation, giving rise to the "Tim Strong" movement, a symbol of unity, hope, and steadfast community support reflected in blue porch lights, fundraisers, and messages of encouragement; and

WHEREAS, Officer Jones and his family received an unprecedented display of compassion, solidarity, and civic pride from the Village of Park Forest, its residents, and its business community in support of one of their own; and

WHEREAS, Officer Jones' story became a profound reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face every day and strengthened Park Forests' commitment to supporting the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of our first responders and public servants; and

WHEREAS, Officer Jones' courage and spirit were recognized regularly at Park Forest Village Board meetings, community events, and Park Forest Police Department ceremonies, where his perseverance was honored as an example of extraordinary devotion to duty and personal strength; and

WHEREAS, Officer Jones, despite profound challenges, remained a cherished member of the Park Forest Police Department, serving as an honorary officer and maintaining strong bonds with the officers, staff, and residents who stood beside him throughout his recovery; and

WHEREAS, In 2018, Park Forest dedicated a section of Lakewood Boulevard as "Honorary Officer Tim Jones Way" in tribute to his profound impact on the community and his embodiment of courage and resilience; and

WHEREAS, Officer Jones' strength, determination, and unwavering resolve became part of the identity of Park Forest, exemplifying the highest ideals of public service, bravery, and community solidarity; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Park Forest Police Officer Tim Jones and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Officer Jones as an expression of our deepest sympathy.