HR0006 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0006 LRB097 05673 KXB 45736 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Tom Matousek began his fire service career on July 15, 1979, serving 30 years with the Forest Park Fire Department and the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois (IAFF) Local 2753, until his retirement in 2009; and

WHEREAS, Tom Matousek was a charter member of the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois Honor Guard, beginning January 30, 1993, and became its State Commander at the Itasca Honor Guard Convention in 2006; and

WHEREAS, Tom Matousek is a very strong proponent for union labor and has served IAFF Local 2753 in many capacities, including 20 years as the President; and

WHEREAS, Tom Matousek battled for the Forest Park Fire Department, IAFF Local 2753's first union contract, and never lost a grievance while serving as President; and

WHEREAS, Organizations such as the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois are strong and successful due to strong leaders like Commander Matousek; and

WHEREAS, Tom Matousek authored the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois Honor Guard oath "To Honor, To Cherish, To Remember, To Salute, With Overwhelming Pride, For You, My Comrade, I Will"; and

WHEREAS, Tom Matousek is retiring as State Commander of the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois Honor Guard; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Tom Matousek on his retirement and request that he enjoy it, along with his children, Kristin, Anthony, and Kyle; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to AFFI Honor Guard Commander Tom Matousek as a symbol of our respect and esteem.