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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 Exec...
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