HR0654 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0654 LRB099 13080 MST 37045 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Chief Mike Riley retired from his position as Chief of Police of the Village of New Baden on July 1, 2015; and

WHEREAS, A young Mike Riley moved with his family to New Baden in 1957; he graduated from Wesclin High School in 1970; from there, he pursued his higher education at Southwestern Illinois College and then transferred to Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville to receive his bachelor's degree; and

WHEREAS, After college, Mike Riley began his career as a patrolman in New Baden under Chief Bob Volmer; he worked hard as a patrolman and worked his way up the ranks to become Chief of the Department in April of 1979; and

WHEREAS, As Chief, Mike Riley helped to serve his community through many hardships, including the devastating tornado that struck New Baden in December of 1982 which killed 2 people, injured over 64 people, and damaged over 140 homes, causing nearly $8 million in damage; during this dark time, Chief Riley served as a bright light by leading and managing rescues, coordinating with nearly 200 first responders from local communities, and assisting with subsequent clean-up efforts over the following days and weeks; and

WHEREAS, Mike Riley has always strived to improve himself to provide better service for the people under his care; in 1990, he traveled to the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, where he graduated as a member of the 162nd Session of the prestigious training for Police Executives; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of his outstanding service, Mike Riley was recognized as the Alumnus of the Year at Wesclin High School in 1993; and

WHEREAS, Mike Riley has served the New Baden community for nearly 40 years under 4 Village Presidents and has commanded over 60 officers during his tenure; throughout his career, he has served as a great example for officers and members of the community alike; and

WHEREAS, The City of New Baden and the members of this body are grateful for the service Mike Riley has provided during his tenure and extend our thanks to him for the 40 years that he has dedicated to the safekeeping and betterment of the New Baden community; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Chief Mike Riley on the occasion of his retirement and recognize him for his outstanding achievements and contributions to the New Baden community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to Chief Mike Riley and the New Baden Police Department as a symbol of our respect and esteem.