HR0285 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0285 LRB095 11852 MST 34910 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives of the State of Illinois wish to congratulate Richard Farthing on the occasion of his retirement from the position of Roxana police chief after 12 years on June 29, 2007; and

WHEREAS, He joined the Roxana police force on August 30, 1973 and succeeded Karl Oller as chief in September 1994; he was hired at age 23 when it was uncommon for police departments to hire officers younger than 25; and

WHEREAS, One of his goals upon becoming chief was to make sure the department was up-to-date in technology; he got the village to purchase computers and copy machines and worked to acquire grants that enabled the department to purchase mobile data terminals, mobile video cameras, mobile radio units, Internet service, bulletproof vests, tasers and other equipment; and

WHEREAS, He helped acquire additional funding for the Integrated Mini-Grant Enforcement Program (IMAGE) which informs and educates the public about impaired driving, safety belts, and child safety restraints; he served as the department's first D.A.R.E. officer and also taught students in driver's education; and

WHEREAS, He has worked for the Roxana police department for nearly 34 years and plans to move with his wife Barbara to Dent County, Missouri; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Richard Farthing on his retirement as chief from the Roxana police department and thank him for his service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Chief Farthing as a token of our esteem.