HR0749 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0749 LRB104 21247 ECR 35895 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Jim Opoka on the occasion of his retirement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); and

WHEREAS, Jim Opoka has dedicated 38 years of exemplary service to FEMA and the United States, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to public safety and national resilience; and

WHEREAS, Jim Opoka began his distinguished career with the American Red Cross, serving as a liaison on the planning team responsible for developing one of the City of Chicago's most comprehensive disaster preparedness and response plans; and

WHEREAS, Jim Opoka honorably served within FEMA, Region 5, advancing through positions of increasing responsibility, including deputy division director and acting division director; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Jim Opoka provided critical leadership during numerous incidents and disasters of national significance, including Hurricane Katrina, where he assisted Admiral Thad Allen in developing a strategic staffing structure during a pivotal period of FEMA's operational transformation; and

WHEREAS, Jim Opoka was instrumental in the development of FEMA's Information and Planning Section, serving as both a principal contributor to its creation and as an instructor at the Emergency Management Institute, thereby shaping the next generation of emergency management professionals; and

WHEREAS, During the response to major flooding in Houston, Jim Opoka played a key leadership role in implementing the Information and Planning Section, enhancing coordination and operational effectiveness; and

WHEREAS, Jim Opoka led numerous regional initiatives and special projects at the request of senior leadership, consistently demonstrating strategic vision, innovation, and dedication to mission success; and

WHEREAS, Jim Opoka directed the Region 5 Recovery Grants Program for more than a decade, providing exceptional stewardship and leadership in support of disaster-impacted communities; and

WHEREAS, Jim Opoka further contributed to the advancement of the profession as an adjunct instructor at Northern Illinois University, supporting the education and development of future leaders in emergency management; and

WHEREAS, Jim Opoka served with distinction in coordinating regional efforts for National Special Security Events, including his role as co-chair for both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions held in Milwaukee and Chicago, respectively, in 2024; and

WHEREAS, Jim Opoka has earned the deep respect and admiration of colleagues and senior leaders as well as federal, state, and local partners through his professionalism, integrity, and collaborative leadership; and

WHEREAS, Jim Opoka has exemplified the highest ideals of public service as a federal employee, leader, mentor, and colleague, consistently demonstrating respect, humility, and excellence in all endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Jim Opoka's enduring legacy is defined by compassion, fairness, integrity, and steadfast dedication to the mission and to the people he served; and

WHEREAS, As he enters retirement, Jim Opoka now turns to his most cherished role of grandfather, where his future accomplishments will include providing love, guidance, and care to his grandchildren, Mackey, Lukey, Maddox, Lainey, Denny, and Baby Boy O, arriving in May 2026, faithfully executing these joyful duties as an ongoing, essential mission; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Jim Opoka on his retirement after providing 38 years of distinguished service to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the nation, and we express our profound gratitude for his contributions and wish him a fulfilling, well-earned, and meaningful retirement; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Jim Opoka as a symbol of our esteem and respect.