HR1136 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Trooper Brad Williams of the Illinois State Police District 20 post at Pittsfield was recently a finalist for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Trooper of the Year Award; and

WHEREAS, On April 24, 2013, 5 members of a family, including 2 children, were murdered in a horrific attack in Manchester while another child was seriously wounded; and

WHEREAS, That morning, Trooper Williams was on patrol in the area and spotted a vehicle matching the description of the gunman's car; he immediately began a pursuit of the dangerous fugitive, calling in other officers to assist; the pursuit ended when Chief George Lindsey of the Winchester Police Department struck the fleeing vehicle with his car, only to have the driver emerge with a shotgun; and

WHEREAS, Trooper Williams tipped his motorcycle over, leapt off, and drew his weapon just as the gunman fired a shot at Chief Lindsey; he and other arriving officers ended the manhunt and pursuit before additional lives were endangered; and

WHEREAS, Trooper Williams's decisive action in identifying the vehicle and in acting in defense of fellow officers doubtlessly saved several lives; and

WHEREAS, Trooper Williams was honored for his heroic action by the International Association of Chiefs of Police; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Trooper Brad Williams on his IACP recognition, and thank him for his heroic service on April 24, 2013 and every other day that he wears the uniform of the Illinois State Police; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Trooper Brad Williams as an expression of our gratitude, esteem, and respect.