Bill Text: IL HJR0051 | 2021-2022 | 102nd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Designates South Side Drive in Decatur from Route 51 to Route 48 as the "Officer Chris Oberheim Memorial Highway".

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 11-2)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2022-03-24 - Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Craig Wilcox [HJR0051 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2021-HJR0051-Introduced.html

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HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that the Illinois General
Assembly pays honor and respect to the truly great individuals
who have served our State and, in doing so, have made the
ultimate sacrifice for our safety; and
WHEREAS, Officer Chris Oberheim was born in Decatur on
October 31, 1976; and
WHEREAS, Officer Chris Oberheim began his career in law
enforcement at the Decatur Police Department in 2000, where he
quickly became a respected officer who led by quiet example
and maintained a sense of humility even when receiving
recognition for his heroic actions; he always looked forward
to playing in the annual Illinois Police Benevolent and
Protective Association State Softball Tournament and making
memories with his fellow officers, whose friendships he
treasured; and
WHEREAS, Officer Chris Oberheim transferred to the
Champaign Police Department in 2008, where he continued to
protect and serve his community; during his tenure, he
received two Medals of Valor for his courageous acts of
selfless bravery; and

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WHEREAS, Officer Chris Oberheim dedicated a great deal of
his time off-duty to coaching several successful girls'
softball teams; his influence on the field was felt by many who
loved and respected him; and
WHEREAS, Officer Chris Oberheim was not only a police
officer but also a son, brother, husband, father, beloved
coach, trusted friend, and respected leader; he valued his
family as his first priority, and his four daughters were his
absolute pride and joy; he will be remembered for being a
devoted public servant, a family tradition further continued
by his younger brother and his cousin who both serve as Decatur
police officers; and
WHEREAS, Officer Chris Oberheim was preceded in death by
his sister, LeighAnn, and his grandfather, Neil Ganley; and
WHEREAS, Officer Oberheim is survived by his wife, Amber;
his daughters, Hannah, Avery, Addison, and Aubree; his
parents, Ted and Mary Ann Oberheim; his siblings, Greg
(Michelle), Amy, Matt (Jennifer), Joe (Chelsea), and Sarah
(Jason); his in-laws; and his nieces and nephews; therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE

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SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate South Side Drive
in Decatur from Route 51 to Route 48 as the "Officer Chris
Oberheim Memorial Highway"; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Illinois Department of Transportation
is requested to erect at suitable locations, consistent with
State and federal regulations, appropriate plaques or signs
giving notice of the name of the "Officer Chris Oberheim
Memorial Highway"; and be it further
RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be
presented to the family of Officer Chris Oberheim, the
Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation, the
Champaign Police Department, the Decatur Police Department,
and the Mayor of the City of Decatur.