[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 10, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E394-E395]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               IN HONOR OF POLICE CHIEF WILLIAM J. HARRIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 10, 1999

  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Police Chief William 
J. Harris of Manhattan, Illinois as he retires from the Village of 
Manhattan's police department which he served for over 30 years.
  Chief Harris was born on December 15th, 1938 in Joliet, Illinois 
where he resided until he and his family moved to Manhattan in 1945. 
Following his high school years, William Harris served our country in 
the United States Air Force's Security Division from 1956 through 1960. 
On October 20, 1962 Mr. Harris joined Ms. Mary Jane Buitenwerf in a 
marriage that has produced three sons; David, Daniel, and Michael. Bill 
and Mary Jane have lived their entire married life in Manhattan.
  While working for the Caterpillar Tractor Company in Joliet, Mr. 
Harris began his tremendous record of public service while working as a 
part time Manhattan police officer in 1965. Nearly four years later, 
Mr. Harris took over the position as acting police chief on June 1, 
1969. Only six months later, on January 1, 1970, William Harris was 
hired as Manhattan's full time police chief where he has served to 
present day.
  In addition to his dedication to keep Manhattan a peaceful community, 
Mr. Harris was a

[[Page E395]]

member of the Manhattan Volunteer Fire Department for several years. He 
still enjoys active memberships with both the Will County Police Chief 
Association and the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe it is fitting and appropriate to honor the 
lifetime of service Mr. Harris has given to his community. Undoubtedly, 
there are many families in Will County who are thankful each day for 
the service Bill Harris has done for Manhattan. The Village of 
Manhattan is a quiet and safe community, and its residents can point to 
Chief Harris' good work as the reason for this.
  I wish Chief Harris, his wife Mary Jane, and their children and 
grandchildren all the best life can offer in the coming years.

                          ____________________