[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 159 (Friday, October 4, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1243]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





    HONORING THE LIFE OF ILLINOIS STATE POLICE TROOPER GERALD ELLIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 4, 2019

  Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I would like to honor Illinois State 
Police Trooper Gerald ``Jerry'' Ellis, who passed away Saturday, March 
30, 2019, while on duty.
  Gerald Ellis was born and raised in Colchester, Illinois, and in 
2002, graduated from Colchester Highschool. It was clear early on that 
Ellis was destined for a career in public service. As a child, he was a 
member of the Macomb Police Department Explorers post. Ellis also 
bravely served in Iraq as a soldier in the United States Army. Ellis 
continued his schooling at Western Illinois University. While pursuing 
his education, he was selected to participate in the Illinois State 
Police internship program. This led to Ellis eventually deciding to 
become a full-time member of the force.
  Trooper Ellis had always been committed to his work and his 
community. He had a tendency to put others before himself. In school, 
Ellis was known as a hard worker, great student, and to be the one to 
reach across social lines and bring different groups of people 
together. Ellis was injured by a distracted motorist earlier in his 
career while attempting to prevent a man from jumping from an overpass.
  In honor of the sacrifice that Trooper Ellis made, it is my privilege 
to commemorate his life and service today. My thoughts and prayers go 
out to his wife, Stacy, and their two daughters, who have lost a loving 
husband and father. We are all blessed to have those like State Trooper 
Gerald Ellis serving and protecting us.

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