[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 54 (Tuesday, April 20, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E706]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN HONOR OF WORCESTER COUNTY SHERIFF JOHN ``MIKE'' FLYNN

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                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 1999

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a true 
legend in Massachusetts politics, Worcester County Sheriff John 
``Mike'' Flynn. On Sunday, April 11, Sheriff Flynn was honored at the 
Grafton Democratic Town Committee's Froment-Moroney Memorial Breakfast, 
where he was presented the Froment-Moroney Leadership by Action award.
  Mr. Speaker, in many ways the name of that award sums up Mike Flynn--
Leadership by Action. Sheriff Flynn has been an integral part of the 
Worcester County Sheriff's Department for 36 years, and in that time he 
has helped the Department become a model for effective corrections and 
law enforcement policy. In 1973, Sheriff Flynn was involved in the 
planning, construction and successful occupancy of the Worcester County 
Jail and House of Correction in West Boylston. In 1990, he oversaw the 
planning and construction of a 300-bed modular facility. He currently 
supervises a staff of over 650, many of whom are veterans.
  Indeed, Sheriff Flynn himself served his country in the military, 
earning distinction in World War II in the Asian-Pacific Theater. By 
risking his life for our freedom, Mike Flynn displayed true leadership 
by action.
  Beyond his duties as Sheriff, Mike Flynn has been extraordinarily 
active in volunteer and community service. In addition to his 
involvement with the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 
Sheriff Flynn has dedicated his time, his energy and his very big heart 
to the Mercy Center, a facility for developmentally handicapped 
children in our community. Through his work, the difficult lives of 
these young people have been made less difficult. I cannot think of a 
better definition of leadership, not just by action, but by compassion 
and decency.
  Mike Flynn has a favorite expression--``Only in America.'' Only in 
America could the son of a steamfitter get such a tremendous 
opportunity to serve his family, his community, and his country. 
Sheriff Flynn has seized that opportunity and made the most of it.
  Through all of this, Mike's wife Joan has been an invaluable partner 
and companion. Their six children and four grandchildren provide them 
with immense joy, and Sheriff Flynn would be the first to tell you that 
family always comes first.
  Mr. Speaker, I know the entire House joins me in congratulating 
Worcester County Sheriff Mike Flynn on receiving the Froment-Moroney 
Leadership by Action award and for his decades of public service.

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