RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Police Officer Mary Tillery, an entrepreneur, community coordinator and a woman of vision, was named recipient of the Law Enforcement Purple Heart from the American Police Hall of Fame on February 13, 2015; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has been advised of this notable achievement by the Honorable Came M. Austin, Alderman ofthe 34th Ward; and
WHEREAS, the Law Enforcement Purple Heart is awarded to law enforcement personnel who suffer injury or are disabled in the line of duty; and
WHEREAS, Officer Tillery earned her Bachelor's degree in Law Enforcement Management and a Master's degree in Psychology with a certification in Psychological Assessment ,all while raising six children along with her husband, Andre'; and
WHEREAS, Police Officer Mary Tillery began her career with the Chicago Police Department on August 5, 2002 until it came to an abrupt halt on August 4, 2011 when she became seriously . injured in the process of arresting a violent offender. She had to undergo major surgery which resulted in the removal of her 1st rib and she was placed on permanent disability; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her career and in addition to receiving the most prestigious award as the recipient of the Purple Heart, she was bestowed the 2004 Crime Reduction Ribbon, 2008 Presidential Election Deployment award, 2009 Crime Reduction Award, 2010 Unit Meritorious aware; and 5 honorable mentions; and
WHEREAS, Officer Tillery is not only one of Chicago's finest, but a person committed to community involvement where she envisioned a better world and more opportunities for those willing to work, and less violence in the neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, As a community coordinator for "Adults and Children Together Against Violence" (ACT) she partners with community organizations in facilitating parenting classes with a focus on non-violence. As the past assistant director of Exodus Outreach Ministry and in her passion for educating our youth, she created a tutoring program for grade school children in reading and math; and
WHEREAS, Officer Tillery was a renowned mentor for teen moms at Second Chance where she conducted motivational workshops to encourage teens to further their education; and
WHEREAS, A member of the New Miracle Temple for over 40 years where she and her husband have co-chaired the Marriage Ministry, coordinating annual marriage retreats, monthly meetings and workshops prior to her passing the torch to others; and
WHEREAS, Officer Tillery's interest in entrepreneurship grew from many years of serving the public as a police officer, observing one primary factor that led to negative interaction which was the lack of economic opportunity; and
WHEREAS, Officer Tillery created, designed, patented and manufactured her own line of disposable mattress and pillow liners leading her to develop AMT Enterprises Incorporated a
minority owned/women-owned business. As founder and CEO, her goal is to grow the business and create jobs in the community; and
WHEREAS, In her spare time, Officer Tillery enjoys music, reading and most importantly, her family. Ensuring her children are continuously stimulated both educationally and psychologically. Mary lives by a quote: "there is always time to make a difference - to be a positive influence"; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Mayor and members ofthe City Council ofthe City of Chicago, assembled this 15th day of April, 2015, do hereby honor and congratulate the Police Officer Mary Tillery outstanding service to the City of Chicago and hard work in the community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that suitable copy of this Resolution be presented to Police Officer Mary Tillery.
CARRIE M. AUSTIN Alderman, 34th Ward
LO -1 Hd 03 HVUSIOZ
<AI333H