RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Jerry Parr has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 85; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Jerry Parr was a retired member of the United States Secret Service and the loving and devoted husband of Carolyn; and
WHEREAS, Jerry Parr was the much-adored father of Kimberly, Jennifer and Patricia and the grandfather of four to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and
WHEREAS, A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Jerry Parr served his country as a member of the United States Air Force and joined the United States Secret Service in 1962; and
WHEREAS, Jerry Parr was the agent who was credited with saving President Ronald Reagan's life during a 1981 assassination attempt; and
WHEREAS, Jerry Parr was in charge of President Reagan's detail when a deranged gunman, John Hinckley, Jr., opened fire outside the Washington Hilton; and
WHEREAS, Jerry Parr pushed President Reagan inside the limousine and insisted the vehicle head to George Washington Hospital after the President complained of chest pains and he saw blood on the President's lips; and
WHEREAS, Doctors later determined that President Reagan had been struck in the chest and was suffering from internal bleeding; and
WHEREAS, If not for the quick and decisive actions of Jerry Parr it is believed that President Regan may have succumbed to his wounds; and
WHEREAS, Following a long and highly distinguished career, Jerry Parr retired from the Secret service in 1985; and
WHEREAS, The courage, sacrifice and dedication of Jerry Parr serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, Jerry Parr was an individual of great integrity and accomplishment who will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Jerry Parr imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this twenty-first day of October 2015, do hereby commemorate Jerry Parr for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Jerry Parr.
Alderman - 14th Ward