SR0768 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0768 LRB094 20610 HSS 58923 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Senate of the State of Illinois learned with regret of the death while on duty of Illinois State Police Sergeant Rodney Todd Miller of Decatur on Friday May 12, 2006; and

WHEREAS, He was born on May 23, 1965, in Decatur to David and Ellen Miller; he graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1983 and earned a communications degree from Millikin University in 1988; he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity; and

WHEREAS, While at Millikin University, he established himself as one of the most outstanding swimmers in NCAA Division III; he earned All-American honors 16 times and was a national champion six times in three events during his swimming career; he was voted Illinois Swimmer Association Male Swimmer of the Year four times and in 1987 was named Herald & Review Athlete of the Year; he set numerous university, conference, and State records, including four individual and four relay records; he won 20 conference championships, including a conference record 12 individual titles; twice he was named Millikin captain and as a senior, was chosen to receive the M award, given to the senior man who contributed the most to Millikin's athletic program; and

WHEREAS, After graduation, he worked two years as personnel director for D.C. Becket Co. before beginning his career as an Illinois State Trooper in 1990; he became a Special Agent in 1994 and quickly established himself as a top-notch investigator with a vast knowledge of criminal law; he received a special citation after his investigative work in the Karyn Slover homicide case, receiving accolades for his professional excellence and unfailing work ethic; and

WHEREAS, He was promoted to Sergeant on Dec. 16, 2003, and was most recently assigned to Zone 5 investigations as the Acting Master Sergeant over the special investigations unit; he was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Trooper Lodge 41; he received four State Police unit citations and a department commendation for being nominated officer of the year; and

WHEREAS, He is remembered by friends and colleagues as possessing an outstanding work ethic and for his professionalism and dedication to his family; he was known for his quick laugh and self-deprecating sense of humor; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Miller married Karla Camillo on March 3, 1990; he took great pride in his sons and enjoyed coaching their baseball teams; he was most recently named commissioner for the national league 9-10-year-olds South Shore Baseball program; and

WHEREAS, He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed spending time fishing and hunting with his dad and friends at his farm in western Illinois; he had a hunter's respect for the natural world and always believed in conservation and preserving the environment; and

WHEREAS, After his collegiate athletic career concluded, he continued to maintain his athletic mindset; he had been training to become a triathlete and most recently had competed in the Sullivan triathlon, placing first in swimming and 20th overall; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Sergeant Rodney Todd Miller has been deeply felt by many, especially his wife, Karla; his sons, Daley and Zach; his parents, David and Ellen Miller; his sister, Shelly Kellum, and her husband Gary; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and his numerous nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Sergeant Rodney Todd Miller, who will be remembered for his tireless pursuit of justice and exceptional devotion to his family, and we 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 his family as an expression of our deepest sympathy.