SR1128 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1128 LRB103 41686 LAW 74906 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Captain Kevin M. Hargis of the Joliet Fire Department, who passed away on June 29, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Capt. Hargis, the son of Larry and Charlotte Hargis, was born on August 28, 1972; he was dedicated to achieving professional excellence through education, earning nearly every certification for firefighters in the State of Illinois, completing many at advanced levels; and

WHEREAS, Capt. Hargis was a 22-year veteran of the Joliet Fire Department, serving as captain of Fire Station No. 7 at the time of his passing; he began his firefighting career with the Roberts Park Fire Protection District in Justice in 1992; he proceeded to serve with the Pleasantview Fire Protection District for a few years before joining the Joliet Fire Department in 2002, where he also served as a member and coordinator of the Hazardous Materials Team, a member of the Safety Committee, a CPR instructor, a coordinator, and a trainer; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his roles within the fire service, Capt. Hargis was a board-certified emergency nurse and a paramedic instructor, and he was a former faculty member of Joliet Junior College; and

WHEREAS, Capt. Hargis was a member of Alpha Delta Nu National Honor Society under the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the National Association of EMS Educators, the National Association of EMTs, the International Association of Firefighters, the Illinois Society of Fire Service Instructors, and Joliet Firefighters Local 44; and

WHEREAS, Capt. Hargis was a devoted husband who loved spending time outdoors and traveling with his wife, Amy, and their dogs; and

WHEREAS, Capt. Hargis was known for his lighthearted personality, his passion for helping others, and his nickname, "Big Buddy"; he will be remembered for his service to and his impact on his community; and

WHEREAS, Capt. Hargis was preceded in death by his in-laws, Ronald and Catherine Szarzynski; and

WHEREAS, Capt. Hargis is survived by his wife of 19 years, Amy Theresia (Billapando) Hargis; his parents; his brothers, Lawrence Hargis and Michael Hargis; his sister, Judy (Kurt) Sedlacek; and numerous nieces and nephews; 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 Captain Kevin M. Hargis of the Joliet Fire Department 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 Capt. Hargis as an expression of our deepest sympathy.