SR0132 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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 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 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.