SJ0017 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that the Illinois General Assembly pays honor and respect to individuals who gave their lives in the line of duty; and

WHEREAS, Illinois State Trooper Bernard Delano "Bernie" Skeeters's last watch occurred on May 20, 1982 when his patrol car was struck from behind by a tractor trailer on Interstate 55 near Williamsville; and

WHEREAS, Trooper Skeeters was working a safety detail patrolling on southbound Interstate 55 behind a paint truck when a semi-trailer slammed into his squad car from behind forcing his car into the paint truck in front of him; the 3-vehicle accident instantly killed Trooper Skeeters; and

WHEREAS, Trooper Skeeters became an Illinois State Troper on March 9, 1970 and served for 12 years; he was assigned to District 9 in Springfield; he was the youngest of 15 children to Joseph Edward and Grace Rosalie (nee Whitcomb) Skeeters; he was survived by his wife, Marie, and their 3 sons, Tom, Ron, and the late Andy; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate the Stuttle Road overpass over Interstate 55 in Williamsville as the "Trooper Bernard D. Skeeters Memorial Overpass"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Illinois Department of Transportation is requested to erect at suitable locations, consistent with State and federal regulations, appropriate plaques or signs giving notice of the name "Trooper Bernard D. Skeeters Memorial Overpass"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Trooper Skeeters and the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation.