HR0314 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0314 LRB103 32597 MST 62212 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to recognize the actions of the emergency medical service (EMS) workers, law enforcement, fire fighters, and IDOT workers who responded to the multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 55 caused by a dust storm on May 1, 2023; and

WHEREAS, The dust storm caused crashes involving 72 vehicles, which resulted in seven fatalities and multiple injuries on Interstate 55 within a two-mile stretch between mileposts 76 to 78; and

WHEREAS, Those responding to the incident included Assistant Chief Brian Byers of the Farmersville/Waggoner Fire Protection District who took command, Chief Mike Webb who arrived on-scene after AC Byers and wisely allowed Brian to continue as incident commander because he was doing such a fine job, the firefighters who tackled the raging fire, Chief Adam Pennock on his first day as full-time fire chief for the Litchfield Fire Department who worked hand in hand with Brian Byers on getting the victims transported in a timely fashion, Chief Jess McKee and members of the Carlinville Fire Department who dealt with removal of the deceased victims, Tyson Holhouser with the sheriff's office and other local police who maintained the safety of the roadways, Casey Canter who stayed at the landing zone and performed flawlessly, and all the EMS staff who shined on this horrible day; and

WHEREAS, Predominantly volunteer firefighters and EMS staff responded to the multi-vehicle crash, taking time away from family, friends, and jobs to respond to an incident that was more reminiscent of a war zone or Hollywood movie set than anything that could have been imagined; their professionalism and capabilities were awe inspiring, and this community, county, and State owes them a debt of gratitude and can rest assured that the finest first responders in America are right here in the heartland; and

WHEREAS, The actions of these first responders saved lives and ensured the injured were receiving critical medical care in a timely manner; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the actions of the emergency medical service (EMS) workers, law enforcement, fire fighters, and IDOT workers who responded to the multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 55 caused by a dust storm on May 1, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to all first responders who responded to the crash.