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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING NEARLY THREE DECADES OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE OF EFRAIN MATA
WHEREAS, Assistant Executive Director Efrain Mata, a proud Chicago native, was raised on 18th Street in the Pilsen neighborhood, where he first cultivated his commitment to his community through acts of service such as gardening around Saint Ann's Parish during the 1980’s; and
WHEREAS, as a student at Quigley Seminary South High School, Mr. Mata extended his service to the broader community by volunteering at numerous nonprofit organizations throughout the Chicago area; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mata began his career in public service in 1996 with the Cook County Sheriff's Office as a corrections officer, and in 1998, he was appointed as a police officer; and
WHEREAS, in 2000, Director Mata was assigned to the Narcotics Investigation Unit and later served with distinction as a Task Force Officer for the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration for 12 years, addressing the widespread harms caused by illicit drug activity on individuals, families, and communities across all socioeconomic backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, in 2004, Director Mata was selected as a Crisis Negotiator on the Hostage Barricade Team, further demonstrating his calm leadership and ability to de-escalate high-stakes situations; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, Director Mata was instrumental in launching the Overdose Response Strategy and was assigned to the Treatment Response Team, where his commitment to innovation, public safety, and compassionate care reshaped approaches to substance use and recovery; and
WHEREAS, in 2020, Director Mata was promoted to Police Sergeant of the Treatment Response Team and led the creation of the Co-Responder Virtual Assistance Program (CVAP), a nationally recognized initiative that transformed how law enforcement responds to mental health crises-offering virtual support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; and
WHEREAS in 2023, Director Mata was appointed Assistant Executive Director of Police for Treatment Response Team Programs, where he continues to serve as a thought leader in public safety, drug awareness, and mental health response; and
WHEREAS, Director Mata is a graduate of Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command and has been recognized with numerous honors, including 6 Department Commendations, 5 Unit Citations, 3 Honorable Mentions, and 3 awards from the Chicago Crime Commission and Cook County Crime Stoppers; and
WHEREAS, outside his professional achievements, Director Mata serves on nonprofit boards such as Beyond the Ball and New-Life Community Centers, continuing to uplift youth in the Little Village and Pilsen neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, Director Mata is not only a decorated public servant and community advocate, but also a devoted husband and father who has always emphasized the importance of family, integrity, and giving back to the community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners do honor and commend Assistant Executive Director Efrain Mata for his 30 years of outstanding public service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of the people of Cook County and the broader Chicago area; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Director Efrain Mata as an honorable expression of sincere gratitude and admiration for a lifetime of service and impact.
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