SR0739 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0739 LRB093 24047 CSA 54196 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Assistant Fire Chief Billy Ray Riley of East St. Louis passed away on October 15, 2004; and

WHEREAS, He was born on July 31, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Rufus, Sr. and Queen Ester Riley, both of whom preceded him in death; he was educated in East St. Louis School District #189; and

WHEREAS, His stellar military career began in 1966 in the U.S. Army, where he served as a military policeman in Germany and attained the rank of Sergeant; he was honorably discharged in 1968 and he joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves, where he valiantly served for 20 years as a firefighter; during his military career, he received many awards, including the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Small Arms Expert, Marksmanship Ribbon, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, and AF Outstanding Unit Award; and

WHEREAS, To pursue his true passion of firefighting, Billy joined the East St. Louis Fire Department in 1972; he attained the rank of Lieutenant in 1979; he was promoted to Captain in 1993; he was appointed Shift Commander in 2000; in 2002, he was appointed Assistant Fire Chief and he served with dedication and honor until his death; and

WHEREAS, He was a proud member of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local #23 and the American Legion; he served his community as a youth supervisor for JTPA; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Billy Ray Riley will be felt by all who loved him, especially his wife, Sandra Cook-Riley; his daughters, Shuntelle (Mark) Robinson, LaShonda Riley, and Destiney Riley; his son, Billy Ray Riley, Jr.; his sisters and brothers, Lucille Riley, Verge (Abbie) Riley, Rufus (Frankie) Riley, Jr., Sharon Riley, Garland Riley, and Jacqueline Riley; his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Billy Ray Riley along with all who knew and loved him and we extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends during their time of bereavement; and be it further; and be it further

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