HR0742 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0742 LRB103 40502 LAW 72965 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, First responders, such as firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, and police officers, endure countless dangers and struggles day-to-day while serving their communities and providing lifesaving Emergency Medical Services (EMS); and

WHEREAS, Families and children of these brave individuals encounter their own day-to-day battles, often stemming from a lack of stability and concerns regarding their family member's safety while on the job; and

WHEREAS, According to the First Responders Children's Foundation (FRCF), data has shown that children of first responders experience considerable stress on a daily basis in relation to their parents' jobs; and

WHEREAS, In an article titled "Children of First Responders Need Our Help", FRCF President and CEO Jillian Crane attests that children of first responders face daunting mental wellness challenges, including separation anxiety, fear for parents, consistent worrying, and social isolation, among others; and

WHEREAS, When a parent is gone inconsistently, especially during important moments of a child's development, said child may experience feelings of abandonment; strong parental bonds are important to the lives and mental health of children and teenagers; when these bonds are weakened due to inconsistency, children may find it exceedingly difficult to establish strong bonds with parents, peers, other family members, or authority figures, potentially stunting their development as they reach adolescence; and

WHEREAS, Families and children of first responders, through the commemoration of a day of unity focused on their community and their particular struggles, have the opportunity to combat social isolation while finding strength in one another; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare June 1, 2024 as Unity for Children of First Responders Day in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we recognize the sacrifices made by families and children of first responders; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we recognize Yanna M. Davenport for her efforts to make Unity for Children of First Responders Day a national event; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Yanna Davenport as a symbol of our respect and esteem.