[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 25, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1096]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          TRIBUTE TO JOHNSON COUNTY, KANSAS, DISTRICT ATTORNEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DENNIS MOORE

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 25, 2005

  Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, for 12 years, I had the honor of 
serving as Johnson County District Attorney. I was proud of the 
accomplishments of our office during my tenure, including establishing 
the first Victim Assistance Unit, and beginning programs to protect the 
victims of family violence--spouse abuse and child abuse.
  When I left office to enter private practice, one of my Assistant 
District Attorneys, Paul Morrison, was elected and was sworn in as 
Johnson County District Attorney in 1989. This year Paul is celebrating 
25 years of working in the Johnson County District Attorney's office, 
the last 16 as District Attorney.
  As my Assistant D.A., Paul headed up our county's narcotics 
prosecution efforts, and tried many homicide cases. As District 
Attorney, he and his office have been tough, but fair. His 
professionalism is unquestioned. Paul has continued the tradition of 
personally prosecuting many of Johnson County's most difficult and 
serious cases. During his 25 years as a prosecutor, Paul has tried over 
100 jury trials, including many complex homicide cases. Among the 
accomplishments during his years as D.A., Paul has established a gang 
task force, successfully promoted ``hard 40'' legislation to increase 
sentences for murder, and helped establish D.A.R.E. programs in our 
county.
  All of Paul's friends enjoyed this story: two years ago, on his 49th 
birthday, Paul was driving down a suburban street when he witnessed a 
burglary. Paul followed one of the suspects in his car, and ended up 
chasing him down on foot. Two youths were charged with burglary, theft 
and possession of alcohol.
  Paul is a past president of the Kansas County and District Attorneys 
Association and of the Johnson County Bar Foundation. He is a past 
recipient of the Clarence M. Kelly Award for Excellent in Criminal 
Justice Administration in Kansas City, and was named 2001 Prosecutor of 
the Year by the Kansas County and District Attorneys Association.
  Paul has actively supported community organizations, serving as board 
president of Sunflower House and Safehome, Inc., two organizations that 
began during my term as D.A. Paul has also been active in the 
Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA), where he 
served on the board and chaired the Johnson County Advisory Council. He 
has also chaired the Johnson County United Way campaign.
  Paul and his wife Joyce are the proud parents of three children, and 
are active in their church, Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Shawnee, 
Kansas.
  Mr. Speaker, on Friday, June 3rd, a reception in the Johnson County 
Courthouse will celebrate Paul Morrison's career in the District 
Attorney's office. Although I am unable to attend, I am proud of Paul 
and I want to recognize my friend for devoting his career to protecting 
our families and our community. The citizens of Johnson County hope his 
career continues for many more productive years.

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