The House of Representatives approved a resolution (HJR 51) sponsored by State Representative Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) to honor the life of Decatur native, Officer Chris Oberheim who was killed on the morning of May 19, 2021 while responding to a domestic disturbance in Champaign.
According to Rep. Dan Caulkins, “Officer Oberheim served and protected central Illinois for over twenty years, he made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety. Dedicating a portion of Route 51 in Decatur will honor the sacrifice he made for the people of Illinois and let us not forget his bravery and commitment to central Illinois.”
Officer Chris Oberheim was born in Decatur on October 31, 1976. He began his career in law enforcement at the Decatur Police Department in 2000, where he quickly became a respected officer who led by quiet example and maintained a sense of humility even when receiving recognition for his heroic actions.
Upon adoption by the Illinois General Assembly, a portion of South Side Drive in Decatur from Route 51 to Route 48 will be designated as the “Officer Chris Oberheim Memorial Highway”.