[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 136 (Thursday, September 24, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2360]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF CHIEF BEARD'S 30 YEARS OF BRAVE AND SELFLESS SERVICE 
             TO THE COMMUNITIES OF KANKAKEE AND BOURBONNAIS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. DEBORAH L. HALVORSON

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                     Thursday, September, 24, 2009

  Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, this month marks Chief Joe Beard's 30 
years of brave and selfless service to citizens of Kankakee and 
Bourbonnais, Illinois. Today, I join these communities in thanking Joe 
for his dedication and outstanding commitment.
  Joe did not grow up dreaming about being a police officer. But in the 
midst of studying to become a history teacher, Joe felt the calling to 
enter law enforcement. After receiving a law enforcement administration 
degree from Western Illinois University, he was hired by the Kankakee 
County Sheriff's Department, where he served for several years before 
briefly pursuing a real estate career. But soon Joe was back fighting 
to protect Illinoisans. And in 1979, at the age of 27, Joe was named 
Police Chief of Bourbonnais, Illinois.
  Whether it was responding to a massive train wreck on a spring night 
ten years ago that left eleven dead, 122 injured, and a pile-up of 
twisted steel and train cars in its wake across the Illinois prairie, 
or responding to a routine traffic stop, Chief Beard has exhibited 
tremendous courage and selflessness. During Joe's tenure as Chief, the 
police department has doubled, expanding personnel to answer new 
challenges and better serve citizens. Chief Beard, along with the 
Kankakee Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group (KAMEG), has been a leader 
in fighting drug crime.
  Those like Chief Joe Beard keep our communities safe and provide 
families piece of mind to enjoy their lives. We all owe a profound debt 
to Joe Beard. On behalf of the entire 11th Congressional District, I 
thank Joe as he continues to serve the people of Bourbonnais.

                          ____________________