On May 19, Senator Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) read the following statement on the floor of the Illinois Senate regarding the tragic shooting of 2 City of Champaign Police Officers that left 1 hospitalized and 1 dead.
“This morning I found out that one of my best friends in the world was shot while on duty as a Champaign Police Officer responding to a domestic call – and while he is in stable condition, his partner, Officer Chris Oberheim gave his life serving to protect those whom he had never met. My friend is a standup citizen, coached my son’s little league team, volunteers faithfully at our local communities AWANA church program for kids, and is defined by his faith. And while I do not know Officer Oberheim, this morning I talked to numerous people who do. Chris was a Father of four and husband, a softball coach, and a veteran of both the Champaign Police Department, as well as the Decatur Police Department – where he still has family and numerous friends continuing to serve in law enforcement – all of whom are mourning his loss today. I also talked to the Monticello Schools Superintendent, who noted the enormity of the loss for the Monticello community in Chris’ passing. Both of these men displayed the courage and selfless sacrifice that defines our brave men and women in Blue.
Please join me in praying for Chris’s family, the successful recovery of my friend who was wounded, and to keep all of our officers in Blue safe – as they serve each of us. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers.”