[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 45 (Monday, March 16, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E667]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF FATHER JOHN J. CREGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 16, 2009

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Chaplain Father 
John J. Cregan, as he is being honored by the Retired Irish Police 
Society with the ``2009 James P Sweeney--Man of the Year Award.'' 
Father Cregan's service to police officers and firefighters who bravely 
serve our community continues to be an invaluable source of support, 
kindness and guidance for the women and men who bravely serve in the 
line of duty.
  At a very young age, Father Cregan and his four sisters, Sister 
Theresine, Rita, Florence and the late Margaret were taught the 
importance of family, faith, heritage and service. Father Cregan's 
grandfather, born in Ireland, was a Cleveland police sergeant. His 
father, Joseph Cregan, served for many years as a Cleveland Police 
Lieutenant, and two of his nephews currently serve as Cleveland police 
officers. Father Cregan's mother, Florence Cregan, was a critical 
influence in shaping his wonderful sense of humor, his faith and his 
sense of compassion for others.
  Father Cregan has served in parishes throughout our community, 
including Blessed Sacrament, St. Joseph's Church, St. Thomas More and 
Our Lady of Angels, where he was appointed Pastor in 1987 and where he 
continues to serve today. Moreover, Father Cregan continues to serve as 
the Chaplain for the Cleveland Police and Fire, Greater Cleveland 
Police and Fire, Holy Name Society, Cleveland Office of the FBI, the 
Greater Cleveland Police Emerald Society and the Anchor Club--roles he 
has held for more than forty years. He has also served as the Chaplain 
for the Retired Irish Police Society since 1988.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Chaplain 
Father John J. Cregan, as he is named the 2009 John P. Sweeney ``Man of 
the Year'' by the Retired Irish Police Society. Father Cregan's warmth, 
concern, support and guidance continues to impact the lives of police 
officers and firefighters throughout our community. As he has for forty 
years, Father Cregan has been there with our safety forces to celebrate 
the happiest of times, and most significantly, he has stood with them 
in the most trying of times, offering strength, hope and faith to 
officers and their loved ones. Father Cregan continues to lift the 
lives of countless individuals and families throughout Greater 
Cleveland and today, we stand in gratitude and honor.

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