title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE OF DETECTIVE TIM JONES
WHEREAS, Park Forest Detective Tim Jones, whose remarkable fight for life after being critically wounded in a 2016 line-of-duty shooting galvanized a nationwide show of support, passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Detective Jones's passing signifies the conclusion of a struggle characterized by resilience, faith, and an unwavering community that stood steadfastly by his side; and
WHEREAS, Detective Jones, a native of Tinley Park and a second-generation police officer, joined the Park Forest Police Department in June 2015. On March 19, 2016, less than a year into his service, he was fatally shot multiple times while apprehending an armed suspect following a break-in incident; and
WHEREAS, despite the severe injuries that left him with life-threatening trauma, and doctors warning his family that he would likely not survive the initial days, Detective Jones defied all expectations; and
WHEREAS, Tim Strong's recovery garnered widespread attention throughout the region as he underwent extensive surgical procedures and endured years of rehabilitation. The phrase "Tim Strong," coined shortly after the shooting, swiftly emerged as a symbol of his resilience and the community's unwavering faith in his recovery; and
WHEREAS, in response, Park Forest community members displayed their support through various means. Blue porch lights illuminated the neighborhood, fundraisers were organized, and residents donned shirts and carried signs bearing his name. The hashtag #TimStrong gained significant traction, garnering thousands of mentions; and
WHEREAS, over the years, Officer Jones's unwavering courage has been consistently recognized by the public. Village leaders have made it a point to honor him during board meetings, and in 2018, Park Forest proudly designated a section of Lakewood Boulevard as Honorary Officer Tim Jones Way; and
WHEREAS, his locker remained in place at the police de...
Click here for full text