[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 12 (Wednesday, February 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E116-E117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        DEATH OF EMMETT BURKE, THE SON OF ALDERMAN EDWARD BURKE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 2004

  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to extend my condolences to 
Alderman Edward Burke and his family on the loss of his beloved son, 
Emmett Burke. It is with deepest sympathy that I rise to offer 
encouragement to the Burke family in their time of bereavement.
  Mr. Speaker, Emmett Burke, only 30 years old, will be sorely missed 
by everyone who

[[Page E117]]

knew him. For the past decade, Emmett Burke worked for the Cook County 
Forest Preserve Police Department. He started in patrol, then was 
promoted to the canine and search and rescue units, and eventually 
served as the deputy chief of the police department. Emmett Burke was 
known for his diligence, his commitment, and his excellence in the 
field of law enforcement.
  Mr. Speaker, I personally understand the undescribable sadness that 
occurs when a father has to bury his son. It has been nearly 5 years 
since I was faced with that same difficult reality. This is why I am 
able to stand today and encourage Alderman Burke to counter the hurt, 
pain, and sorrow with strong support from family and friends, and 
fervent prayers to God, who is the author and finisher of our faith.
  And finally, I can assure the Burke family that the present agony 
felt from the loss of a loved one can only be replaced with the 
everlasting love and peace of God, the father, Jesus the son, and the 
Holy Spirit.
  So, I rise today to extend my deepest sympathy to the Burke family, 
my prayers are with you, and know that in our time of mourning, God has 
promised to comfort us.

                          ____________________