[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 26, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E86]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF JOHN R. FECHKO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 26, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
John R. Fechko, devoted husband, father, friend, public servant and 
United States Veteran. Mr. Fechko's commitment to the safety of the 
residents of Seven Hills defined his 35 years of outstanding public 
service as a police officer, S.W.A.T. team member, and as Seven Hills 
Chief of Police for the past 20 years.
  Mr. Fechko was a 1964 graduate of Parma Senior High School. Following 
graduation, he served in Vietnam with the United States Marine Corps. 
In 1969, he joined the Seven Hills Police Department as a patrol 
officer. Mr. Fechko was promoted to sergeant in 1981, and in June of 
1984, he was instated as Police Chief of Seven Hills.
  Mr. Fechko's dedication to his career extended beyond the borders of 
Seven Hills. He was always willing to help an individual, family or 
neighboring community in need. He handed down his safety experience and 
expertise to cadets in training at the Cleveland Police Academy--a role 
he held for 31 years. Additionally, Mr. Fechko was a lead initiator of 
the Tri-City task force. This vital program focused on educating 
residents about key safety community issues, including gang activity, 
intervention of at-risk youths, and juvenile crime prevention.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and 
remembrance of Mr. John R. Fechko. As police officer and Police Chief 
of the Village of Seven Hills, Mr. Fechko dedicated his professional 
life to the safety of his officers and the security and safety of the 
entire Seven Hills community. I extend my deepest condolences to his 
beloved wife, Suzanne; his beloved son, Craig; his sister, Diane; and 
also to his extended family and many friends. His legacy of protecting 
others will live on within the hearts and memories of his family, 
friends, and the public he so faithfully served, today and for all 
time.

                          ____________________