HR0548 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0548 LRB098 13089 GRL 47603 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Michael P. Trafton on the occasion of his retirement as Chief of the Joliet Police Department after 28 years of dedicated service; and

WHEREAS, Michael Trafton grew up in Mokena and is a graduate of Lincoln Way Central High School; he earned his Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration from Western Illinois University in Macomb in 1985; he has attended various police-related management courses, including Managing Criminal Investigations in 1987 and Supervision of Police Personnel in 2002; he also graduated from Northwestern University's Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command in 2004; and

WHEREAS, After a college internship with the Will County Sheriff's Department, Michael Trafton began his career with the Joliet Police Department as a patrol officer in 1985; he was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2004, lieutenant in 2008, commander in 2008, deputy chief in 2009, and chief in 2011; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his long and distinguished career, Michael Trafton has served the Department in various capacities, including as a field training officer, canine officer, tactical officer, crisis negotiator, Special Services officer, supervisor of the Department's Neighborhood Response Team and Joliet Narcotics Unit, and Operations commander; and

WHEREAS, Michael Trafton has served as President, Vice President, and board member of the Joliet Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 58 and Board Member and Secretary of the Fraternal Order of Police Labor Committee; and

WHEREAS, Michael Trafton has received many awards from the Joliet Police Department for his outstanding performance, as well as numerous letters of appreciation from citizens and civic groups; in 1992, he was awarded the Exchange Club of Joliet's Officer of the Year Award; in 1993, he was awarded the Officer of the Year Award by the Veterans of Foreign Wars; and

WHEREAS, Michael Trafton and his wife, Melissa, have 3 children, Katherine, Alexandria, and Nicole; and

WHEREAS, Michael Trafton serves as a model of hard work, integrity, and dedication for the people of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Chief Michael P. Trafton on the occasion of his retirement and wish him continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Michael Trafton as a symbol of our esteem and respect.