[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 180 (Friday, December 11, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1780]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING COMMANDER JOE GROOM

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. BILL FOSTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 11, 2015

  Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of 
Commander Joe Groom of the Aurora Police Department.
  Since his appointment to the Aurora Police Department in 1989, 
Commander Groom rose through the ranks to become Investigations 
Division Commander. He was a steadfast fixture in our community through 
his involvement in local organizations and constant engagement with his 
neighbors, fellow officers, and city officials.
  Commander Groom was also an ambassador for the City of Aurora, 
through his work with the International and Illinois Associations of 
Chiefs of Police, the Chiefs Associations in Kane, DuPage, and Kendall 
Counties, the Kane County DUI Task Force, the Juvenile Drug Court 
Advisory Committee, and the Aurora Police Foundation. Beyond his 
involvement with law enforcement, Commander Groom held leadership 
positions in the Exchange Club of Aurora, the Knights of Columbus 
Council 736, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kane and Kendall Counties.
  Commander Groom passed away on December 9, 2015, at the age of 50. 
Although his life was tragically cut short, his legacy of 26 years of 
selfless service will be felt by generations of Aurorans. He will be 
remembered as a dedicated husband, father, and community leader.

                          ____________________