HR0136 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0136 LRB104 12346 ECR 22530 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to recognize Chief John W. Stenson, the first and only African American Chief of Police for the Peoria Police Department, on his years of service to his community; and

WHEREAS, Chief Stenson began working as a patrol officer with the Peoria Police Department in 1966; he was promoted to detective in 1971, sergeant in 1973, lieutenant in 1977, captain in 1983, assistant chief of police in March 1997, and chief of police in October 1997; he retired from the Peoria Police Department in April 2004; and

WHEREAS, Chief Stenson received an associate's degree in police science from Illinois Central College in 1972 and a bachelor's degree in police administration from Bradley University in 1974; he later worked toward a master's degree at Sangamon State University, and he continued to attend education seminars and classes through courses at a number of institutions, including the University of Illinois, the Northwest Police Institute, the FBI Academy in Quantico, and the Kennedy School of Government; and

WHEREAS, Chief Stenson has been a contributing member in a number of professional organizations, including the Central Illinois Association of Law Enforcement Executives, the FBI Alumni Association, the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Organization for Black Law Enforcement Executives, the Peoria County Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Police Executive Research Forum; and

WHEREAS, Chief Stenson has completed a great deal of community service throughout his working career and his retirement within a variety of organizations, including the Carver Community Center, the Counseling and Family Services Board, the Crittenton Care and Counseling Center, the Cultural Diversity Committee, the Emergency Telephone System Boar, the Eureka college Board of Trustees, the Family violence Coordinating Council, the Multi-county Narcotics Enforcement Group Board, the Peoria Empowerment Committee, the American Red Cross, the DARE Organization, the Heart of Illinois United Way Board, the Jail Population Task Force, the Peoria Boys Club, the Peoria Alternative Charter School Board, the Peoria Area Community Events Board, the Peoria Housing Authority, the Peoria Public Schools Facility Analysis Committee, Planned Parenthood, the Tri-County Urban League, and many more; and

WHEREAS, Amidst the adversities and struggles of the times, Chief Stenson has paved the way for many African Americans in his community and beyond through his hard work, leadership skills, and tenacity, and he continues to inspire through his commitment to the mentoring of African American youth and community involvement; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize Chief John W. Stenson, the first and only African American Chief of Police for the Peoria Police Department, on his decades of service and mentorship; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to Chief Stenson as a symbol of our esteem and respect.