[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 45 (Thursday, March 20, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E536-E537]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CONGRATULATING MR. JOHN LARSEN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 2003

  Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate FBI 
Agent John Larsen on being named the U.S. Marshals Law Enforcement 
Officer of the Year. His dedication and desire to work for the cause of

[[Page E537]]

justice is a model for all law enforcement officers.
  Agent Larsen was a key figure in the prosecution of Robert Burke. 
Burke was convicted of supplying the handcuff key to Jeffery Erickson, 
who ultimately used it to escape confinement and murder Deputy U.S. 
Marshal Roy Frakes and Court Security Officer Harry Belloumini in 1992.
  For the past ten years, Agent Larsen has worked tirelessly to uncover 
evidence for this case that may never have been found otherwise. Agent 
Larsen first located Mr. Burke in Ireland, and then helped facilitate 
his extradition back to the United States on charges of perjury. He 
then oversaw over 180 witness interviews, most of which were with 
imnates, being asked to recall conversations that had taken place over 
a decade ago. Having nothing to offer some of these witnesses for their 
testimony, Agent Larsen had to implore upon their sense of decency to 
bring some closure to the family and the United States Marshals 
Service.
  Through perseverance, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to 
justice, Agent Larsen was a crucial factor in bringing an emotional 
case to a close.
  Mr. Speaker, John Larsen's record of service and the fruits of his 
labor speak for themselves. Earning the Law Enforcement Officer of the 
Year award from the U.S. Marshals is a well-deserved token of the 
respect that is due him for his efforts. Therefore, I ask my colleagues 
to join me in thanking him for his commitment to excellence and his 
desire to see justice carried out.

                          ____________________