SR0784 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0784 LRB103 39526 ECR 69730 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate wish to congratulate Fire Captain Michael "Mike" McDermott on the occasion of his retirement from the Evanston Fire Department on January 9, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Captain McDermott started his career as a firefighter/paramedic in December 1997 before becoming a paramedic preceptor in 2003; he was promoted to fire captain in March 2007; and

WHEREAS, Captain McDermott's commitment to his profession has been exhibited in his training and educational pursuits; he received training in extrication and tactical operations and certifications in Hazardous Material Operations, Fire Apparatus Engineer, and Fire Officer I and II, and he earned his associate's degree in fire science from the College of DuPage; and

WHEREAS, Captain McDermott has worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of his fellow firefighters on the job, serving on the Safety Committee for 25 years and, more recently, leading the effort as committee chair; he also improved departmental operations by serving on the Standard Operating Guidelines Committee for more than 15 years and on the Evanston Fire Department Local 742 Negotiation Committee for several years; and

WHEREAS, Captain McDermott is a decorated firefighter who received the Craig Stiles Unit Performance Award, the second-highest recognition award issued by the Evanston Fire Department to members whose combined acts of bravery, dedication, and exceptional professional skill resulted in saving human lives or property under adverse conditions; he was also awarded the Chief's Letter of Commendation for exhibiting exceptional skill and professionalism as a paramedic; and

WHEREAS, Captain McDermott's retirement marks the end of an era for the Evanston Fire Department; as a decorated 26-year veteran, he has exemplified unwavering dedication to the safety of the department and its members; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Fire Captain Michael "Mike" McDermott on his retirement from the Evanston Fire Department after 26 years of dedicated service, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Captain McDermott as an expression of our respect and esteem.