resolution
adopted by The City Council
ofthe City of Chicago, Illinois
TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM "BILLY" I. HIGHTOWER. JR.
WHEREAS, in His infinite wisdom, almighty God has granted eternal peace to William "Billy" J. Hightower, Jr., a remarkable public servant and member of his community, on February 25,2022, after a more than three-decade career with the Chicago Police Department; and
WHEREAS Billy Hightower started life as the son of the late William J. Hightower Sr. and Corine Ford Hightower on January 20, 1949. He attended Hales Franciscan and Wendell Phillips High School. Upon graduation, Billy chose to follow his father's footsteps and became a Chicago Police Cadet at the age of 17, joining the force upon completing his training despite being accepted at many universities with full scholarships, the most notable of which was Notre Dame; and
WHEREAS Billy Hightower held many prestigious posts within the Chicago Police Department, serving as a Tactical Officer, a Dignitary Security Officer providing security for U.S. Congressman Gus Savage, a Gang Crimes Officer investigating gangs for drug sales as well as a Neighborhood Relations Officer fostering and developing a positive relationship between the public and the Chicago Police Department. During his tenure as a police officer, he would annually host a Holiday Party to raise money to provides toys, coats, and other necessities to the neediest of the West Side neighborhoods. Most notably, he . developed a computer lab program that provided computer access to children living in the Cabrini Green housing projects. In addition, he was active in service to his community as a member of the 27lh Ward Democratic Ward Organization where he organized an annual back-to-school parade; and
WHEREAS as a political activist, Billy Hightower worked with Congressman Gus Savage, Alderman Robert Shaw, and State Representative William Shaw. While working for Secretary of Slate Jesse White, he served as liaison between the Illinois Secretary of State Police and other governmental agencies as well as other departments within the Illinois Secretary of State. Additionally, he was an Inspector for the Secretary of State's Office of the Inspector General; and
WHEREAS, after a thirty-year separation, William Hightower was united in Holy Matrimony to his loving wife, Cherone Robinson-Burnette, on February 15, 2020, in Oak Lawn, Illinois. However, only two years and ten days later at 5:35 a.m., Billy transitioned from this life at Christ Advocate Hospital, leaving behind to mourn his loss and cherish his memory, his beloved wife; nine children, William IV, Mario, Anthony, Angelo, Jeffrey, Sean and Vanessa, as well as bonus children Britton Robinson and Bria Burnett; his siblings Sheila (Eric), Vanessa (Richard), Avain (Annie), AJvin (Karen) Dwayne (Abby), and Bernard, along with 18 grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends; and
WHEREAS, the Honorable Roderick Sawyer, Alderman of the 6"1 Ward, has informed this august body of the passing of this pillar of the community, now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that we the mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, gathered together this 23ld Day of March 2022 AD, do hereby express our sincere sorrow upon the passing of William "Billy" J. Hightower, Jr. and extend our deepest condolences to his many family members and friends.
RODERICK T. SAWYER
Alderman - 6'h Ward
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of William "Billy" J. Hightower, Jr.
The following legislation is being introduced by Aid "Billy" Hightower, Jr. and co-sponsored by
Alderman Ward 1
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Alderman Ward 2
Pat Dowell
Alderman Ward 3
Sofia King
Alderman Ward 4
Leslie Hairston
Alderman Ward 5
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Alderman Ward 6
Greg Mitchell
Alderman Ward 7
Michelle Harris
Alderman Ward 8
Anthony Beale
Alderman Ward 9
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Alderman Ward 10
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Sawyer regarding a memorial tribute to William
Alderman Ward 11
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Alderman Ward 12
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Alderman Ward 13
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Alderman Ward 14
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Alderman Ward 15
Stefanie Coleman
Alderman Ward 16
David Moore
Alderman Ward 17
Derrick Curtis
Alderman Ward 18
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Alderman Ward 19
Jeanette Taylor
Alderman Ward 20
Howard B. Brookins
Alderman Ward 21
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The following legislation is being introduced by "Billy" Hightower, Jr. and co-sponsored by
Alderman Ward 22
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Alderman Ward 23
Michael Scott
Alderman Ward 24
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Alderman Ward 25
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Alderman Ward 26
Walter Burnett
Alderman Ward 27
Jason Ervin
Alderman Ward 28
Chris Taliferro
Alderman Ward 29
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Alderman Ward 30
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Alderman Ward 31
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Alderman Ward 32
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I. Sawyer regarding a memorial tribute to William
Alderman Ward 33 Carrie Austin
Alderman Ward 34
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Alderman Ward 35
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Alderman Ward 36
Emma Mitts
Alderman Ward 37
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Alderman Ward 38
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Alderman Ward 39
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Alderman Ward 40
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Alderman Ward 41
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Alderman Ward 42
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Alderman Ward 43
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