SR0052 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0052 LRB097 09896 KXB 50056 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, There are a total of 992 Illinois police officers that have been disabled in the line of duty; and

WHEREAS, Police officers, deputies, and correctional officers are at risk of injuries and assaults nearly every day on the job; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 50 police officers are disabled in the line of duty each year; and

WHEREAS, In addition to the loss of health, disabled peace officers experience financial loss as well as loss of peer support and their status in the community; and

WHEREAS, Becoming disabled from a profession where health, strength, and ability to perform is prized has great psychological consequences; and

WHEREAS, Police officers who have been separated due to disability have a suicide rate ten times higher than that for active officers; and

WHEREAS, The first Thursday in May of each year is designated in the State of Illinois as Peace Officers Memorial Day, recognizing the bravery and sacrifice of peace officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty; and

WHEREAS, There is presently not an appropriate recognition for the ongoing bravery and sacrifice of peace officers who have been disabled in the line of duty; and

WHEREAS, Those peace officers who have been disabled while performing their duty to protect the citizens of Illinois have the respect of a grateful State; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate the first Wednesday in May as Disabled Peace Officers Recognition Day in Illinois, recognizing the ongoing bravery and sacrifice of peace officers who live with disabilities received in the line of duty; and be it further

RESOLVED, That Disabled Peace Officers Recognition Day shall be observed throughout the State by the citizens of Illinois with civic remembrances to acknowledge their sacrifices and our gratitude; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to each of the statewide police associations as an expression of our respect and appreciation.