RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) is an international leader committed to providing complete public safety communications expertise, professional development, technical assistance, advocacy and outreach to benefit our members and the public; and
WHEREAS, APCO International is the world's oldest and largest organization of public safety communications professionals and supports the largest U.S. membership base of any public safety association; and
WHEREAS, Every year, APCO International presents awards to public safety communications personnel who have demonstrated the highest levels of personal and professional conduct and performance in the line of duty; and
WHEREAS, APCO International selected Michael Tracy, Police Communications Operator II at the City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management & Communications (OEMC), as the award recipient for 2016 Trainer of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Michael Tracy, an 18-year employee of the OEMC, is an exemplary public servant to the City of Chicago who consistently supersedes the expectations of his job title to further public safety in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Michael Tracy not only builds lesson plans and trains the City's 9-1-1 employees, but also provides one-on-one guidance and support for new employees, making himself available 24 hours a day to offer support and encouragement; and
WHEREAS, Michael Tracy has developed a rapport with community groups throughout the city by educating the public about 9-1-1, partnering with Catholic Charities to provide training for hundreds of home health care nurses, working with the Chicago Police Department to spread the word about community policing programs, and leading tours of the 9-1-1 center for hundreds of visitors from all around the globe; and
WHEREAS, Assuming the role of project manager for the 9-1-1 Center's new electronic scheduling software in 2015, Michael Tracy dedicated countless hours to ensuring the success of its roll out for approximately 400 employees; and
WHEREAS, As a veteran of the United States Navy, Michael Tracy devotes his spare time to assisting veterans in need of assistance through Canaryville Veterans Riders Association, organizing supply and clothing drives for veterans living in nursing care units, serving as part of the honor guard at veteran's funerals, riding in escorts when military personnel come home from overseas, and assisting with fundraisers to help support local baseball clubs and Boy Scout troops; and
WHEREAS, Michael Tracy comes from a family dedicated to public service, including his wife of 12 years, Maria Tracy, also an employee of the OEMC; his father, George Tracy, a military
veteran and retired detective for the Chicago Police Department; and his brother, Joe Tracy, a military veteran and Chicago Police Department officer; and his late grandfather, George Vincent Tracy, Sr., a military veteran and Chicago Police Department career patrolman; and
WHEREAS, Michael Tracy is a proud father to his son Ryan, and stepchildren Becca, George, and Ria; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, integrity and dedication of Michael Tracy are an invaluable asset to the public safety of this city; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this twentieth day of July, 2016, do hereby express our sincere congratulations to Michael Tracy on this prestigious award; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Michael Tracy.
Matthew J. O'^hfea Alderman, 19th Ward