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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE VICTIMS OF MERCY HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER SHOOTING
WHEREAS, on November 19, 2018 a senseless shooting took place at Mercy Hospital & Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, on that tragic day, we lost three beloved public servants: City of Chicago Police Officer Samuel Jimenez, Dr. Tamara O'Neal of Mercy Hospital, and Dr. Dayna Less, Pharmacy resident for Mercy Hospital; and
WHEREAS, P.O. Samuel Jimenez was a loving and giving person, always willing to help those in need; and
WHEREAS, P.O. Samuel Jimenez was a graduate of Northeastern Illinois University and a graduate of Foreman High School; and
WHEREAS, in 2016, Samuel Jimenez joined the Chicago Police Department to protect and serve the people of the city he grew up in; and
WHEREAS, P.O. Samuel Jimenez heard the call about an active shooter at Mercy Hospital and did not hesitate to rush to the hospital; and
WHEREAS, P.O. Samuel Jimenez is remembered by his wife and high school sweetheart, Crystal, his three children, family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Tamara O'Neal, known for her helpful spirit, smile and voice, dedicated her life to serving and saving the life of others; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Tamara O'Neal graduated from LaPorte High School in 1998 and continued to study at Purdue University, Southern Illinois University and University of Illinois at Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Tamara O'Neal was determined to become a doctor, and during medical school formed a group called the “OHQ”, one hitter quitters, encouraging medical students to pass their exams on the first try; and
WHEREAS, after graduation medical school, Dr. Tamara O’Neal’s helpful spirit extended to volunteering doing blood pressure screenings or doing high school physicals; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Tamara O’Neal, a devout Christian, was the choir coordinator for Christian Fellowship Worship Center in LaPorte, Indiana; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Tamara O’Neal is remembered by her family, friends, colleagues and everyone whom she helped save; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Dayna Less was a strong, loving person who lived her life to the fullest and, when faced with adversity, used it to help others; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Dayna Less at age 17 created a blog, Mydaughtersheadache.com, as a support network and hope for others experiencing chronic headaches, which helped hundreds of people, mostly adolescents, find real help and healing; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Dayna Less was a graduate of Purdue University, where she pursued the Doctor of Pharmacy program; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Dayna Less’ kindness and willingness to help the less fortunate extended all the way to Kenya where she worked in a hospital for two months with Purdue University, during the time of a Kenyan Doctor strike.; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Dayna Less also volunteered at local state fair and immunization events by providing blood pressure screenings, coordinated children’s activities at public library events, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity after hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, and was a camp counselor for St. Sava; and
WHEREAS, people across the City of Chicago, the County of Cook and the rest of the nation mourn the loss of these benevolent public servants; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, do extend their deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the families of City of Chicago Police Officer Samuel Jimenez, Dr. Tamara O'Neal, and Dr. Dayna Less.
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