HR1043 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1043 LRB098 21017 GRL 58711 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Washington Fire Chief Michael R. Vaughn on the occasion of being awarded the Medal of Valor Award from the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal; and

WHEREAS, The Medal of Valor award is given by the State of Illinois to a firefighter for an act of heroism or bravery that clearly demonstrated courage and dedication in the face of danger while in the performance of duty; and

WHEREAS, Michael Vaughn's fire service career spans over 30 years beginning in 1982, when he became a member of the Washington Rescue Squad; and

WHEREAS, In 1984, Michael Vaughn entered service for the East Peoria Fire Department, serving as a Lieutenant, Assistant Chief, and then Fire Chief for East Peoria for 3 years; and

WHEREAS, On August 1, 2008, Michael Vaughn returned to the City of Washington to serve as the city's first full-time Fire Chief; and

WHEREAS, The firefighters of the Washington Fire Department recommended that Michael Vaughn be honored for the bravery and heroism he demonstrated on the morning of November 17, 2013, when the town of Washington, alongside other central Illinois communities, was struck by an EF4 tornado; and

WHEREAS, Earlier that morning, before the tornado's arrival, Michael Vaughn was already preparing for the worst, messaging his firefighters to be on the alert and ready to respond; and

WHEREAS, As the storm entered his city, Michael Vaughn, husband to Theresa Vaughn and father of three boys, left his home and raced towards the path of the tornado in a vehicle with lights and sirens to alert his community of the coming danger, including the occupants of Washington Middle school, the members of the Connect Church holding service there, and the congregation of the Crossroads Church; and

WHEREAS, During Michael Vaughn's efforts to alert his community, he placed himself in great peril within the reach of the tornado's destructive winds, narrowly escaping with his life; and

WHEREAS, It is not possible to determine the lives saved by Michael Vaughn's selfless actions on the day of November 17, 2013, but he will remain a hero to the citizens of the City of Washington, with or without an honor; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend Chief Michael R. Vaughn for his heroic actions, thank him for his service, and congratulate him on receiving the Medal of Valor; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Michael Vaughn as a symbol of our respect and esteem.