[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 164 (Wednesday, September 22, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6619-S6620]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING OFFICER CHRISTOPHER NEIL OBERHEIM

  Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
remarkable life of Officer Christopher

[[Page S6620]]

Neil Oberheim, a 20-year veteran of the Illinois police force who was 
fatally shot on May 19, 2021, while serving in the line of duty. 
Officer Oberheim started his remarkable career at the Decatur Police 
Department before transferring to the Champaign Police Department in 
2008.
  Throughout his years of protecting and serving, Officer Oberheim 
earned two medals of valor and countless letters of commendation for 
his courageous acts of selfless bravery. He will be remembered by his 
colleagues as a model officer and someone who looked forward to making 
memories with his fellow officers at the annual State softball 
tournament hosted by the Police Benevolent and Protective Association 
of Illinois.
  Officer Oberheim was not only a dedicated law enforcement officer, 
but also a devoted father and citizen who was loved and respected in 
his community. Officer Oberheim invested a great deal of time off duty 
to coaching several successful girls' softball teams, and the 
Monticello Sages Softball team paid tribute to his legacy as a coach 
and mentor: ``Chris Oberheim was the ultimate girl dad and was so proud 
of his girls. He has given so much to the program and we are blessed to 
have known him.''
  Officer Oberheim was tragically killed in the line of duty while 
fulfilling his oath to serve and protect the people of the city of 
Champaign, and I am grateful for his years of service. He leaves behind 
his wife Amber and their 4 daughters Hannah, Avery, Addison, and 
Aubree. May his service, sacrifice, and kind spirit serve as an 
inspiration to us all.

                          ____________________