SJ0046 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SJ0046 LRB098 15003 MST 51179 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It is important to recognize those who contributed to the betterment of the State of Illinois through public service; and

WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that the Illinois General Assembly pays honor and respect to individuals who gave their lives in the service of the State; and

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Casey J. Kohlmeier of Pontiac, who passed away on October 30, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Casey Kohlmeier was born in Fairbury on June 5, 1984 to Jeff and Keri Kohlmeier; he graduated from Pontiac Township High School in 2002 and earned his Bachelors Degree in Technical Management from DeVry University; he served his country in the United States Air Force from 2002 to 2006, receiving the Distinguished Graduate Award during technical school at Lackland Air Force Base; he then served at Offut Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska; he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Training Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force BMT Honor Graduate Ribbon, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with device, the NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the Meritorious Unit Award, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; he was named Airman of the Year in 2005; and

WHEREAS, Casey Kohlmeier worked for the Pontiac Police Department K9-Unit since January 2007; he received his training certificate as a detective on the Livingston County Proactive Unit; his K-9 patrol partner, Draco, who was his beloved sidekick, was with him until the end; and

WHEREAS, Casey Kohlmeier was a board member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Livingston County and the Illinois Police Benevolent and Protective Association; he was a member of Saunemin Methodist Church; he earned his pilots license in the past year; and

WHEREAS, Casey Kohlmeier was preceded in death by his grandmother, Joan Gamble; and

WHEREAS, Casey Kohlmeier is survived by his father, Jeff (Tracey) Kohlmeier; his mother, Keri (Donny) Schmidt; his step-father, Kyle Kociss; his maternal grandparents, Jim and Kay Horrie; Lynne and James Kociss, Larry and Linda Schmidt, and Ina Tjelle; his paternal grandparents, Eldon "Bud" and Karen Kohlmeier, and Alvin Gamble; his girlfriend, Leslie Alappattu; his brothers, Zach Kohlmeier and Jordan Kociss; and his sisters, Lauren Kohlmeier and Ryli Schmidt; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate the section of Interstate 55 from Exit 197 near Pontiac to Exit 202 as the Officer Casey J. Kohlmeier 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; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Casey Kohlmeier, the Pontiac Police Department, and the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation.