CONGRATS-JIM OPOKA

Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of HR0749

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Full Text of HR0749

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HR0749 - 104th General Assembly

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HR0749
LRB104 21247 ECR 35895 r
1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

2

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
3
Representatives wish to congratulate Jim Opoka on the occasion
4
of his retirement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency
5
(FEMA); and

6

WHEREAS, Jim Opoka has dedicated 38 years of exemplary
7
service to FEMA and the United States, demonstrating an
8
unwavering commitment to public safety and national
9
resilience; and

10

WHEREAS, Jim Opoka began his distinguished career with the
11
American Red Cross, serving as a liaison on the planning team
12
responsible for developing one of the City of Chicago's most
13
comprehensive disaster preparedness and response plans; and

14

WHEREAS, Jim Opoka honorably served within FEMA, Region 5,
15
advancing through positions of increasing responsibility,
16
including deputy division director and acting division
17
director; and

18

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Jim Opoka provided
19
critical leadership during numerous incidents and disasters of
20
national significance, including Hurricane Katrina, where he
21
assisted Admiral Thad Allen in developing a strategic staffing

HR0749
- 2 -
LRB104 21247 ECR 35895 r
1
structure during a pivotal period of FEMA's operational
2
transformation; and

3

WHEREAS, Jim Opoka was instrumental in the development of
4
FEMA's Information and Planning Section, serving as both a
5
principal contributor to its creation and as an instructor at
6
the Emergency Management Institute, thereby shaping the next
7
generation of emergency management professionals; and

8

WHEREAS, During the response to major flooding in Houston,
9
Jim Opoka played a key leadership role in implementing the
10
Information and Planning Section, enhancing coordination and
11
operational effectiveness; and

12

WHEREAS, Jim Opoka led numerous regional initiatives and
13
special projects at the request of senior leadership,
14
consistently demonstrating strategic vision, innovation, and
15
dedication to mission success; and

16

WHEREAS, Jim Opoka directed the Region 5 Recovery Grants
17
Program for more than a decade, providing exceptional
18
stewardship and leadership in support of disaster-impacted
19
communities; and

20

WHEREAS, Jim Opoka further contributed to the advancement
21
of the profession as an adjunct instructor at Northern

HR0749
- 3 -
LRB104 21247 ECR 35895 r
1
Illinois University, supporting the education and development
2
of future leaders in emergency management; and

3

WHEREAS, Jim Opoka served with distinction in coordinating
4
regional efforts for National Special Security Events,
5
including his role as co-chair for both the Republican and
6
Democratic National Conventions held in Milwaukee and Chicago,
7
respectively, in 2024; and

8

WHEREAS, Jim Opoka has earned the deep respect and
9
admiration of colleagues and senior leaders as well as
10
federal, state, and local partners through his
11
professionalism, integrity, and collaborative leadership; and

12

WHEREAS, Jim Opoka has exemplified the highest ideals of
13
public service as a federal employee, leader, mentor, and
14
colleague, consistently demonstrating respect, humility, and
15
excellence in all endeavors; and

16

WHEREAS, Jim Opoka's enduring legacy is defined by
17
compassion, fairness, integrity, and steadfast dedication to
18
the mission and to the people he served; and

19

WHEREAS, As he enters retirement, Jim Opoka now turns to
20
his most cherished role of grandfather, where his future
21
accomplishments will include providing love, guidance, and

HR0749
- 4 -
LRB104 21247 ECR 35895 r
1
care to his grandchildren, Mackey, Lukey, Maddox, Lainey,
2
Denny, and Baby Boy O, arriving in May 2026, faithfully
3
executing these joyful duties as an ongoing, essential
4
mission; therefore, be it

5

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
6
HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
7
we congratulate Jim Opoka on his retirement after providing 38
8
years of distinguished service to the Federal Emergency
9
Management Agency (FEMA) and the nation, and we express our
10
profound gratitude for his contributions and wish him a
11
fulfilling, well-earned, and meaningful retirement; and be it
12
further

13

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
14
presented to Jim Opoka as a symbol of our esteem and respect.

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