HERO DAY

104th Regular Session Introduced by John Cabello and 20 co-sponsors

Designates August 27, 2026 as Hero Day to honor first responders and families, commending the 100 Club of Illinois for its six decades of support.

Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Brandun Schweizer

Purpose and Intent

Recognizes and honors the extraordinary service and sacrifice of Illinois’ first responders and the organizations that support them and their families.

Establishes August 27, 2026 as “Hero Day” in Illinois to commemorate the bravery of first responders who gave their lives in the line of duty and to honor their families.

Specifically highlights the 100 Club of Illinois as a key organization in providing support to first responders and their families.

Key Provisions

Declaration: August 27, 2026, shall be proclaimed Hero Day in the State of Illinois.

Purpose of Hero Day:

To recognize the bravery, dedication, and sacrifices of first responders who died in the line of duty.
To honor and support the families left behind.
To remind the public never to forget the heroes and to express gratitude to current first responders.
To reaffirm commitment to supporting first responder families and related organizations.

Commendation: The 100 Club of Illinois is commended for its six decades of service and contributions to first responders and their families.

Formal Recognition: A suitable copy of the resolution will be presented to the 100 Club of Illinois as an expression of respect and gratitude.

Who/What Is Affected

Stateside recognition and observance, via a House resolution, without creating new funding or regulatory requirements.

The 100 Club of Illinois, as the primary beneficiary highlighted, receives formal commendation and acknowledgment of its role in supporting first responders and their families.

Broad audience: first responders across federal, state, county, and local jurisdictions stationed in Illinois (as described by the bill’s background on the 100 Club of Illinois).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction and Sponsorship:

Filed by Rep. Mary Gill (February 5, 2026).
Chief and numerous co-sponsors added through March and April 2026.

Committee Action:

Assigned to the Police & Fire Committee (March 12, 2026).
Reported as “Be Adopted” by the Police & Fire Committee (March 20, 2026).

Legislative Process:

Passed the House resolution process and moved to adoption with ceremonial language.
On April 16, 2026, additional co-sponsors were added.

Effective Date:

The resolution designates August 27, 2026, as Hero Day.

Additional Context

The bill emphasizes the 100 Club of Illinois’ long-standing role since 1966 in providing financial assistance, resources, training, and emotional support to families of fallen first responders and to actively serving personnel.

It notes the Club as a major provider of mental health training for first responders in Illinois.

Overall Impact

Symbolic and ceremonial recognition of first responders and their families.

Public acknowledgment of the 100 Club of Illinois’ contributions and a formal expression of gratitude from the Illinois House.

No new statutory duties, regulatory changes, or funding allocations are created by this resolution; the primary effect is ceremonial recognition and awareness.

Bill