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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING ROBERTO GONZALEZ AND JEFFREY KAUFMAN, FOREST PRESERVE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS FOR EXEMPLARY SERVICE
WHEREAS, on Sunday, July 24, 2016, Officer Roberto Gonzalez and Officer Jeffrey Kaufmann played an instrumental role in saving the lives of two young women whose canoe had tipped over in Busse Lake in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Hearing cries for help, the officers were able to pull the young women, who had been in the water for some time, out of the water. One of the girls was unconscious and the officers were able to resuscitate her by administering CPR. Both girls were responsive by the time the ambulance arrived and were declared in good condition after arriving at St. Alexian Hospital. Both girls have made a full recovery; and
WHEREAS, Officer Gonzalez has served with the Forest Preserves’ Law Enforcement Department since January 2005 where he is a deeply valued employee with a distinguished record; and
WHEREAS, Officer Jeffrey Kaufmann, is military veteran and a recent recruit who joined the Forest Preserves’ Law Enforcement department in January 2015 and has already impressed his colleagues with his conduct and positive attitude; and
WHEREAS, both officers exemplify the mission of the Forest Preserves’ Law Enforcement Department which patrols the nearly 70,000 acres of the Forest Preserves’ holdings 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to ensure the welfare of the public and assist the public in the enjoyment of the forest preserves; and
WHEREAS, the Law Enforcement Department is committed to ensuring that every officer is trained in proper water rescue and is adept at administering CPR and other life-saving practices ; and
WHEREAS, the officers were equipped with the water rescue kit provided by the Department of Homeland Security demonstrating the benefits of leveraging resources and collaboration; and
WHEREAS, both Officer Gonzalez and Officer Kaufmann are to be commended for their swift and clear reactions that resulted in a successful rescue in what was a dangerous and precarious situation; and
WHEREAS, Officer Gonzalez and Officer Kaufmann have rendered an invaluable service to these young women and their families and friends; and
WHEREAS, both officers are an inspiration and example to their fellow officers and all Forest Preserve employees; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby recognize Officer Gonzalez and Officer Kaufmann for their outstanding service; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ceremonial copies of this resolution be sent to Officer Roberto Gonzalez and Officer Jeffrey Kaufmann.
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