Honoring Those Who Served and Sacrificed
I joined officers, families, and community members from across Illinois at the State Capitol this week for the annual Illinois Peace Officers Memorial ceremony, a solemn event recognizing the brave men and women who gave their lives in the line of duty.
The day began with a procession of squad cars representing agencies from across the state before transitioning into the memorial service, where eight officers were formally added to the Illinois Peace Officers Memorial.
Among those remembered this year were Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera and Park Forest Detective Tim Jones, both of whom lost their lives while serving and protecting their communities. Six historical officers were also honored during the ceremony, ensuring their sacrifices are recognized and remembered alongside those lost more recently.
Standing alongside law enforcement officers from every corner of Illinois was a powerful reminder of the risks these men and women take every day to keep our communities safe. Ceremonies like this matter because they ensure the courage and sacrifice of these officers are never forgotten.
Meeting with Illinois Baptists for Biblical Values in Springfield
I had a great meeting recently with the Illinois Baptists for Biblical Values and appreciated the opportunity to sit down and talk about the importance of civic engagement, faith, and staying involved in the future of our state.
One thing that stood out to me was their commitment to educating Illinoisans about the legislative process and encouraging people to take an active role in their communities. From voter registration and communicating with legislators to tracking legislation and even encouraging people to run for office, they are focused on making sure citizens stay informed and engaged.
We also discussed the important role churches and community leaders can play in encouraging respectful conversations about the issues facing Illinois. Their mission of equipping pastors and community members to engage thoughtfully in both civic and spiritual discussions is something I appreciated hearing more about.
Most importantly, we talked about the need for people across Illinois to stay connected to what is happening in Springfield and continue making their voices heard. I appreciate the thoughtful discussion and their commitment to serving communities across our state.
Discussing the Future of Highland Community College
I recently had the opportunity to meet with Highland Community College President Chris Kuberski and board members Pennie Groezinger and Shawn Boldt while they were in Springfield. I appreciated the chance to sit down and talk about the future of the college and the opportunities ahead for students and the surrounding communities.
We had a productive conversation about the direction of Highland and some of the exciting ideas being discussed, including the potential to expand academic opportunities through additional four-year programs. Expanding access to higher education locally could create even more pathways for students to continue their education and build successful careers while staying connected to their communities.
It is encouraging to see Highland Community College continuing to look ahead and invest in ways to better serve students, families, and the broader community. I appreciate President Kuberski and the board members taking the time to share their vision and discuss the college’s future.
Meeting with Freeport Firefighters at the Capitol
I got to meet with Freeport firefighters Brandon Reese, Kaleb Rucker, and Mark Honerbaum while they were in Springfield attending the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois Legislative Conference.
I appreciated them taking the time to stop by the Capitol and discuss some of the issues impacting firefighters, emergency responders, and public safety in communities across Illinois. Conversations like these are important because the men and women serving on the front lines every day have firsthand knowledge of the challenges departments are facing and the resources needed to keep communities safe.
Firefighters play a critical role not only in responding to emergencies, but also in protecting families and supporting local communities. Hearing directly from those who serve provides valuable insight into how policies made in Springfield affect departments back home.
I want to thank Brandon, Kaleb, and Mark for their service and dedication to the Freeport area. I appreciate their commitment to keeping their communities safe and their willingness to engage in discussions about the future of public safety in Illinois.
Free Community Shred Event Set for May 16 in Machesney Park
I’m inviting residents of the 45th District to take part in a free Community Shred Event on Saturday, May 16, to safely dispose of sensitive documents and help protect against identity theft.
I’m proud to partner with Mayor Steve Johnson to host this event in Machesney Park. It’s a simple and secure way to get rid of old paperwork like bank statements, tax returns, bills, receipts, credit card applications, and outdated medical records.
The event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Machesney Town Center, located at 8702 N. 2nd Street. Shredding will take place on-site, giving residents peace of mind that their personal information is properly destroyed.
To keep things moving efficiently, each vehicle will be limited to two banker boxes of paper documents, and electronics will not be accepted. The event will end at noon or once the shredding truck reaches capacity.
If you have questions or need more information, please contact my office at (815) 232-0774.
