RESOLUTION FOR HONORARY STREET NAME DESIGNATION OF "POLICE OFFICER BENJAMIN PEREZ WAY"
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that the members of the Chicago City Council are hereby informed of the Honorary Street Nomenclature Ceremony, for the late Chicago Police Officer Benjamin Perez; and
WHEREAS, The residents and elected officials have deemed appropriate the renaming of the Southwest Corner, 5300 S. Nashville as "Police Officer Benjamin Perez Way" in honor of one of "Chicago's Finest"; and
WHEREAS, This honorary designation is but a small manner in which to recognize the contributions of an individual so great that the impact of his dedication to the citizens of Chicago are impassioned; and
WHEREAS, Officer Benjamin Perez was a four year veteran of the Chicago Police Department and was assigned to the 010 District (Marquette/Ogden); and
WHEREAS, Of the myriad available career paths toward fulfillment of the "American Dream", there are but a few through which faithful execution of responsibilities offers simultaneous assurance that those who choose other paths will in fact have a legitimate opportunity to achieve their portion of the "Dream", thereby, Benjamin Perez joined "Chicago's Finest" October 26, 1998 and proudly wore his Badge #12225 until he was called to his eternal resting place; and
WHEREAS, Dedication to and fulfillment of the motto of the Chicago Police Department "We Serve and Protect" exacts a substantial physical and emotional toll not only on the officers who must daily cope with the stress and danger of being life's arbiter for countless citizens, but also on the family members who live with the very real knowledge that their spouse or parent may never return from any given workday; and
WHEREAS, Chicago Police Officer Benjamin Perez departed this life on September 18, 2002, and left to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife, three children, a host of relatives, many friends and comrades; and
WHEREAS, It seems fitting and proper that we place his name within his beloved neighborhood among the people who knew and loved him so much; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago assembled here this 13th day of April, 2011, do hereby offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and loved ones of the late Chicago Police Officer Benjamin Perez and express our hope that the coldness of their grief be soon replaced by their warm memories of him.
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Benjamin Perez.
MICHAEL R. ZALEWSKI Alderman - 23rd Ward