[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 168 (Friday, November 4, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL J. BURKE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 4, 2011

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Michael J. 
Burke, a former law enforcement officer, instructor and director of 
training in the State of Iowa, and express my appreciation for his 
dedication and commitment to the great people of Iowa.
  For the past 22 years, Mike has contributed his time to the safety of 
the citizens and first responders in the state of Iowa since beginning 
his career as a detective with the Webster County Sheriff's Department 
in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Mike's law enforcement career had many highlights, 
most notably being recognized for outstanding service and meritorious 
acts by the United States Attorney's Office for his efforts behind the 
investigation and prosecution of a methamphetamine trafficking 
organization.
  Upon leaving law enforcement, Mike initiated and coordinated the 
criminal justice program at Iowa Central Community College. During his 
time with ICCC, Mike grew the program to new levels by initiating 
``hands-on training'' for future criminal justice professionals. As 
coordinator and instructor of the program, Mike was recognized on two 
separate occasions for being a ``Master Presenter'' by the National 
Institute for Staff & Organizational Development.
  In 2003, I had the privilege of being involved in the creation of 
Homeland Security Training Center at Iowa Central Community College of 
which Mike was appointed Director. Until his retirement from the 
training center in August of 2011, over 35,000 responders in Iowa 
received critical homeland security training through this program 
including thousands of law enforcement officers training to keep Iowa's 
streets safer.
  Mike has truly made a significant impact on the quality of life for 
citizens in the State of Iowa with the qualified training he ensured 
Iowa's responders would receive. His leadership and dedication will be 
missed, but the blueprint he leaves behind will be a model for the 
program's continued success far into the future.
  I consider it an honor to represent Mike and all of ICCC in the 
United States Congress. I wish Mike, his wife Cindy and their two 
children, Megan and Robby, the best of luck as they enter this new 
chapter of their lives together. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Mike for his stellar career.

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