Bill Text: IL SR0132 | 2023-2024 | 103rd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the passing of retired Lincoln Police Corporal, former Lincoln Chief of Police, and current Logan County Sheriff's Office Court Security Officer Robert J. "Bob" Rawlins of Lincoln, who died in the line of duty due to a medical emergency while providing security at the Logan County Courthouse.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2023-03-24 - Resolution Adopted [SR0132 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2023-SR0132-Introduced.html

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SR0132 LRB103 31444 LAW 59142 r
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened
to learn of the death of retired Lincoln Police Corporal,
former Lincoln Chief of Police, and current Logan County
Sheriff's Office Court Security Officer Robert J. "Bob"
Rawlins of Lincoln, who died in the line of duty due to a
medical emergency while providing security at the Logan County
Courthouse on February 28, 2023; and
WHEREAS, Officer Rawlins was born to James R. Rawlins and
Judy Wilmert in Lincoln on September 26, 1959; he graduated
from Lincoln Community High School in 1977; he married Gail
Eimer in Lincoln on April 27, 1979; and
WHEREAS, Officer Rawlins honorably served the citizens of
Lincoln as a police officer of the Lincoln Police Department
for over 30 years, beginning his career in March 1982 and
retiring in March 2012; he held several assignments as a
policeman, including dressing as McGruff The Crime Dog at
Halloween events, becoming a D.A.R.E. officer, and serving as
the department's first K9 officer from 1990 to 1998 and as team
leader of the Emergency Response Team (ERT); he served as
Chief of Police from August 2004 to April 2007; and
WHEREAS, During his career, Officer Rawlins was awarded

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for his bravery and heroism on several occasions, earning a
number of department commendations and letters of gratitude
from citizens and congressmen alike; he is the only officer of
the Lincoln Police Department to be named Officer of the Year
on three occasions, occurring in 2001, 2009, and 2011; and
WHEREAS, After retirement, Officer Rawlins continued to
serve his community, working as a court security officer for
the Logan County Sheriff's Office at the Logan County
Courthouse for nearly nine years; and
WHEREAS, Officer Rawlins was a longtime member of Holy
Family Catholic Church; he had a passion for raising emus and
growing bonsai trees; he also enjoyed Harley Davidson
motorcycles; he loved his family above all else, especially
his grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Officer Rawlins lived a life of service to his
family, his community, and his country; he will be remembered
as a shining example of a true police officer; and
WHEREAS, Officer Rawlins was preceded in death by his
father, James R. Rawlins; and
WHEREAS, Officer Rawlins is survived by his wife, Gail
Rawlins; his children, Sean (Brandi) Rawlins and Kirstin

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Rawlins; his grandchildren, Savannah Rawlins and Natalie
Smith; his mother, Judy (Jack) Woodard; his sister, Julie
(Dustin) Smith; his numerous extended family and friends; and
his Lincoln Police Department and Logan County Sheriff's
Office families; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
retired Lincoln Police Corporal, former Lincoln Chief of
Police, and current Logan County Sheriff's Office Court
Security Officer Robert J. "Bob" Rawlins and extend our
sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew
and loved him; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
presented to the family of Officer Rawlins as an expression of
our deepest sympathy.