[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 7, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E296-E297]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JOHN P. SHEELAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 7, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I now honor 
an extraordinary human being and great American, Captain John P. 
Sheelan of the Pueblo police force. Mr. Sheelan was described as one of 
the ``best-liked officers on the force'' who demonstrated both 
remarkable valor and compassion everyday. ``He was pretty well-liked 
community wide, he had that kind of personality. I don't know anyone 
who didn't like John,'' said by police Chief Ron Gravatt in a recent 
Pueblo Chieftain article. Sadly, John died in February in a motorcycle 
accident. As family, friends, and colleagues mourn this profound loss, 
I would like to honor this truly great American.
  Mr. Sheelan was an individual that served his country, state and 
nation well. John was never too far from the outdoors, something that 
he loved. He was an avid weightlifter, but his true passion was his 
motorcycle. Tragically, John's life was cut short while embarking on 
the activity that he loved.
  John was a long time Pueblo resident who was well known and widely 
admired. ``John loved kids. On the beat, he liked to stop and talk to 
the kids,'' recalls Captain John Barger about his close friend. John 
has served his community for over three decades. As a police officer, 
he was dedicated to protecting the people of Pueblo, and as a community 
member he was committed to the betterment of society. John held 
numerous positions at the department, where he spent about 15 years as 
a detective investigating many of the departments highest profile 
cases. John was a highly skilled member of his profession.
  Mr. Speaker and fellow colleagues, as you can see, this extraordinary 
human being truly deserves our timeless gratitude for his service. John 
P. Sheehan may be gone, but his legacy will long endure in the minds of 
those who were fortunate enough to know him. Colorado is a better place 
because of John Sheelan.
  The nation's thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Pamela, and his 
children, Lori, Kelli,

[[Page E297]]

Clay and Brock, and his colleagues at the Pueblo Police Department. 
Like these loved ones, the Pueblo community and the State of Colorado 
will miss John greatly.

                          ____________________