SR0029 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0029 LRB104 08275 LAW 18325 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of David Paul Clark, former Fire Chief of the Des Plaines Fire Department, who passed away on January 10, 2025; and

WHEREAS, David Clark was born to Robert Lincoln Clark and Mary Rose Clark in Honolulu, Hawaii on July 4, 1938; he served in the U.S. Navy; he resided in Des Plaines for the majority of his life; and

WHEREAS, David Clark joined the Des Plaines Fire Department on May 26, 1962, serving as Fire Chief of the Des Plaines Fire Department from 1985 to 1993; while at the helm, he spearheaded professionalizing the fire department; under his leadership, the fire department was transformed into one that emphasized better training and better equipment, increased the minimum man requirements on fire trucks, and led the effort in requiring fire sprinklers in certain types of residential buildings; he retired on September 4, 1993; and

WHEREAS, David Clark loved traveling and taking road trips with his wife, Martha; he was an avid reader of history, particularly naval aviation and World War II; he was a lifelong Chicago Bears fan; and

WHEREAS, David Clark was committed to his faith and deeply loved his family; he will be remembered for his dedication to his family and his community; and

WHEREAS, David Clark was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Beatrice (Dan) Todd; and his brothers, Mike (Francine) Clark and Daniel (Maureen) Clark; and

WHEREAS, David Clark is survived by his wife of 65 years, Martha Clark; his daughters, Teresa (John) Kasch and Monique Clark; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; his sister, Patricia (Rich) Truver; and many nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of David Paul Clark, former Fire Chief of the Des Plaines Fire Department, and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of David Clark as an expression of our deepest sympathy.