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An Ordinance Adopted Pursuant to the Police Dog Retirement Act, 510 ILCS 82/1 Et. Seq.
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WHEREAS, Lola Haven joined the Romeoville Police Department in 2020 to serve as the Department’s first comfort and wellness dog; and
WHEREAS, in her role as the RPD comfort and wellness dog, Lola has provided emotional support to members of the community experiencing challenging or traumatic situations, and has shared her love and joy with those who may have needed it the most during trying times; and
WHEREAS, after serving the community faithfully for the past six years, the time has come for Lola to enjoy a well-deserved retirement; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 5 of the Police Dog Retirement Act, 510 ILCS 82/5, police dogs such as Lola that reach retirement are to be offered to their handlers/custodians to reside with them during retirement; and
WHEREAS, Debbie Becker, Records Clerk with the Department, is retiring at the end of July, 2026, has served as Lola’s handler/custodian, and has expressed the desire to keep Lola and to continue to care for her and to have her live with her family.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE VILLAGE OF ROMEOVILLE, WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS; THAT:
SECTION 1: RECITALS. The foregoing recitals are hereby incorporated into this Ordinance as if fully set forth herein.
SECTION 2: LOLA’S RETIREMENT. Effective on the passage and publication of this Ordinance, Lola Haven shall be granted an honorable retirement from the Romeoville Police Department, and her ownership and custody shall thereafter be granted to Debbie Becker pursuant to the provisions of to Section 5 of the Police Dog Retirement Act, 510 ILCS 82/5.
SECTION 3: SEVERABILITY. That the various provisions of this Ordinance are to be considered severable and if any part or portion of this Ordinance shall be held invalid by any Court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this Ordinance.
SECTION 4: CONFLICTS. All prior Ordinances and Resolutions, or parts thereof in conflict or inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby expressly repealed only to the extent of such conflict or inconsistency.
SECTION 5: EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval and publication in pamphlet form as provided by law.