SR0914 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0914 LRB102 26798 MST 37786 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Law enforcement officers of Illinois put their lives on the line to protect and serve the residents of our great State; and

WHEREAS, The police officers of Illinois keep our communities safe, help prevent crime, and provide assistance to those in need, among an infinite number of other tasks to encourage civic engagement and an investment in the well-being of all Illinoisans; they work with our schools, community organizations, and other local partners to offer assistance and educational opportunities to residents; and

WHEREAS, The first police department in the United States was established in New York City in 1844 and officially organized in 1845; other cities followed suit, including Chicago in 1855; and

WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the enduring courage and unwavering devotion of law enforcement officers to the communities that they have sworn to serve; and

WHEREAS, There are currently more than 900,000 sworn law enforcement officers and more than 17,000 state and local law enforcement agencies serving nationwide; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 12 percent of current law enforcement officers are female; and

WHEREAS, In uncertain times, these men and women are the first response in the face of crisis or tragedy, and they continue to put on their uniforms to bravely face challenges to ensure the general welfare of our society; and

WHEREAS, In 2021, 582 officers made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our great nation, including ten in Illinois; our fallen officers should be remembered and honored for their courage and sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare May 15 to May 21, 2022 as Police Appreciation Week in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we recognize the dedication and sacrifice of local, state, and federal police officers and their service to our great State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we celebrate the contributions of law enforcement from across the State, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we recognize the families of law enforcement officers for their endless sacrifices; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage all residents of Illinois to recognize the essential mission that law enforcement officers undertake every day and thank them for their dedication and service.