HR0603 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0603 LRB102 23877 LAW 33070 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Captain Garrett E. Ramos of the Sterling Fire Department, who was killed in the line of duty on December 4, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Capt. Ramos was born to Edward and Jeannie (McKee) Ramos in Sterling on October 27, 1983; in his youth, he enjoyed spending time with his family and playing team sports, excelling at basketball; his character was formed in these early years through his faith, his family, and lessons learned from team sports; he attended St. Mary's Grade School; he graduated from Sterling High School in 2002; he attended the South Carolina Fire Academy following his graduation from Illinois State University; he married Brittney C. Berger in Benton Harbor, Michigan on July 23, 2016, and they travelled the world together before the birth of their two daughters; and

WHEREAS, Following in his father's footsteps, Capt. Ramos began his firefighting career at the North Charleston Fire Department in Charleston, South Carolina; he returned to his hometown, joining the Sterling Fire Department in October 2012; he served as acting captain for a year prior to his death and was posthumously promoted to the rank of captain by the City of Sterling; and

WHEREAS, Capt. Ramos served as union president of Local 2301 of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF); and

WHEREAS, Capt. Ramos was a devoted and loving husband and father; he was a firefighter of the highest caliber; he was known for his positive attitude, his contagious smile, his infectious laugh, and his heart of gold; he will be missed by his family, his friends, his community, and his State; and

WHEREAS, Capt. Ramos was preceded in death by his grandparents, Gordon and Ruth (Lendman) McKee and Jose and Delia (Vargas) Ramos; his aunt, Eileen Marrs; and his cousins, Amanda Tope and Kevin Fuglestad; and

WHEREAS, Capt. Ramos is survived by his wife, Brittney; his daughters, Ruthie and Kepa; his parents, Ed and Jeannie Ramos; his sister, Jennifer (Aaron) Brannon; his nieces, Joslyn and Isla; his nephew, Drake; his mother-in-law, Sue (Liz) Roberts; his father-in-law, Rick (Linda) Berger; his several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and countless others; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Captain Garrett E. Ramos and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Capt. Ramos and the Sterling Fire Department as an expression of our deepest sympathy.