HR0601 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0601 LRB101 15339 MST 64535 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Dennis W. Conover, who passed away on November 4, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Dennis Conover was born to Sally Mae Conover in Kennett, Missouri on September 28, 1946; he relocated to Pekin after graduating high school in 1964 and dedicated his life to the service of Illinoisans within Tazewell County; and

WHEREAS, Once settled in Pekin, Dennis Conover quickly began a career in law enforcement, following a short tenure in both the railroad and construction industries; and

WHEREAS, Dennis Conover's law enforcement career started with the Pekin Auxiliary Police and in the 911 Communications Center, where he met his bride, Tammie Jo; and

WHEREAS, Dennis Conover joined the Marquette Heights Police Department in 1989 and became the Firearms Range Instructor, Field Training Officer, and Sergeant of major case investigations; throughout his career, he received various law enforcement awards, most notably the illustrious Officer of the Year Award in 1994 for the largest drug bust in Marquette Heights history; and

WHEREAS, In the midst of his public law enforcement career, Dennis Conover earned his certification for a private detective license in 1989 through the State of Illinois and opened the Conover Detective Agency with his brothers, which became a successful local business; and

WHEREAS, Dennis Conover was sworn in as the Deputy Coroner of Tazewell County in 1996; he would later serve as the Tazewell County Coroner from 2003 until his retirement in 2011; and

WHEREAS, Dennis Conover served his community outside of his professional capacity; he was a long-time member of First Christian Church, serving as deacon and elder, and a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board; he served on Pekin's Rust Transitional Center Committee for temporary housing; and

WHEREAS, Dennis Conover sat on the Tazewell County Republican Executive Board, helping to elect many local and state politicians, and most recently served as its Chairman; and

WHEREAS, A devoted family man, Dennis Conover's love of his family, especially that of his adoring wife, children, and grandchildren will never be forgotten; he was fondly referred to as "Papa" by his grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the loss of Dennis W. Conover and honor the passionate and dedicated service and exemplary leadership he provided Tazewell County; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Dennis Conover as a symbol of our respect and esteem.