SR0196 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0196 LRB103 31899 LAW 60578 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Rock Island Arsenal Fire Department Captain Tad David Robison (Ret.) of Andalusia, who passed away on April 2, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Capt. Robison was born to David and Sharon (Dreessen) Robison on September 12, 1970; growing up, he was an active member in Boy Scouts Troop #425; he married Michelle Proksch of Moline on July 4, 1992; and

WHEREAS, Capt. Robison served in the Illinois National Guard; during his service, he received a number of accolades, including the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Illinois Long and Honorable Medal; and

WHEREAS, Capt. Robison began his love for firefighting as a volunteer firefighter in Coyne Center and Sherrard; he started his professional firefighting career at the Rock Island Arsenal Fire Department in March 2001, where he reached the rank of captain; when he accepted the position as a firefighter, he also took on the chef role in the firehouse and became known for producing delicious and plentiful amounts of food; he retired after 20 years of service in March 2021; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure with the Rock Island Arsenal Fire Department, Capt. Robison received the Civilian Service Commendation Medal, the Life Saving Hero of the Day award, and numerous letters of commendation for service to the Rock Island Arsenal; and

WHEREAS, Capt. Robison additionally served as an off-ice official for the Quad City Mallards and Storm hockey teams; and

WHEREAS, Capt. Robison enjoyed coaching and watching his daughter, Kaitlyn, play softball, starting with T-ball and going all the way to watching her play in college and Italy; he was a proud "Papa" to his grandson, Lorenzo David, who experienced his first hunting season with his grandfather last November; he loved hunting, fishing, and having a drink with all of his friends that he loved like brothers, and some of his fondest memories were made during their fishing trips to Lake Erie and the Hunters Prayer at the Iverson Garage every November; and

WHEREAS, Capt. Robison was very proud of his family, friends, and his career as a firefighter; he will be remembered for his strength, his determination, and his passion for his job; and

WHEREAS, Capt. Robison was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ken and Marjorie Dreessen and Jesse and Pauline Robison; his uncles, Jesse JR Robison and Hank Hanson; and his many pets; and

WHEREAS, Capt. Robison is survived by his wife, Michelle; his daughter, Kaitlyn (Gino) DeGeorge; his grandson; his parents; his sister, Tara (Brad) Stauffer; his niece, Kelsa Stauffer; his aunts, Pat (Jay) Thomas and Jackie Hanson; his special friends, Adam Clark, Don Henry, and Mike Iverson; his firefighter family; and his large extended family; 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 Rock Island Arsenal Fire Department Captain Tad David Robison (Ret.) 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 Capt. Robison as an expression of our deepest sympathy.