[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1087]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF JOHN MICHAEL KICK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 14, 2011

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
Officer John Michael Kick, the first Cleveland police officer to lose 
his life in the line of duty.
  Officer Kick was a lifelong Clevelander of German descent. He joined 
the Cleveland Police Department upon its formation in 1866. His 
colleagues described Officer Kick as a ``quiet, faithful, brave and 
fearless officer.''
  On the night of May 13th, 1875, Officer Kick accompanied his fellow 
officers as they investigated a suspicious group who were thought to be 
behind several robberies that occurred in Cleveland. Officer Kick 
located the perpetrators and began to follow them, along with some 
fellow police officers and eventually tracked them down. The officers 
were outnumbered three to six, yet they continued on with their duties.
  Officer Kick and his fellow colleagues confronted the suspects, 
inquiring about their names and occupations. After a loud shouting 
match, the group of criminals quickly drew their revolvers and began to 
open fire. The officers, including Officer Kick, drew their weapons and 
returned fire. During the crossfire, one round shot by the criminals 
struck Officer Kick in the chest and wounded him. Doctors attempted to 
save his life, to no avail. On May 15th, Officer Kick passed away. He 
left everything he owned to his mother, his wife and his three 
children.
  Officer Kick will be remembered by the Cleveland community and the 
Nation. His name is inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers 
Memorial Wall in Washington, DC.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in remembering the 
sacrifice that Officer John Kick made to ensure that Cleveland would 
remain a safe city.

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