SJ0056 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SJ0056 LRB103 39993 MST 71262 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that the Illinois General Assembly pays honor and respect to individuals who have given their lives in service to their communities; and

WHEREAS, Special Agent Virgil Lee Bensyl was shot and killed on January 15, 1988 while he and four other agents attempted to arrest a corrections officer for conspiracy to commit murder; and

WHEREAS, Special Agent Bensyl served with the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War; he joined the Illinois State Police on July 14, 1969 and served in District 10 (Pesotum) until 1984 when he graduated from New Agents Class #4; he was then assigned to Zone 10; and

WHEREAS, On April 29, 1988, District 10 Headquarters was re-dedicated in honor of Special Agent Bensyl; and

WHEREAS, At the time of his passing, Special Agent Bensyl was survived by his wife and son; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate Interstate 57 as it travels from Pesotum to Champaign as the "ISP Special Agent V. Lee Bensyl Memorial Highway"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Illinois Department of Transportation is requested to erect at suitable locations, consistent with State and federal regulations, appropriate plaques or signs giving notice of the name of "ISP Special Agent V. Lee Bensyl Memorial Highway"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we rescind the directive in Senate Joint Resolution 16 of the 102nd General Assembly that designates Illinois State Route 51 in Oconee after Special Agent Bensyl; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Special Agent Bensyl and the Secretary of Transportation.