[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 164 (Thursday, October 17, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H8208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          REMEMBERING WES BARR

  (Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, this is a tough one today. 
I rise to remember Sheriff Wes Barr, who passed away on October 1. Wes 
was a beloved member of the Springfield community, who impacted many 
through his law enforcement career and charity work.
  Wes' story is one of true American spirit. He lived in the former 
John Jay housing project in Springfield until he was 13. After 
graduating from Southeast High School, Wes enlisted in the United 
States Marine Corps.
  Afterwards, he served as a correctional officer before he began his 
career in law enforcement. He served as an officer in Loami, 
Illiopolis, and Chatham before joining the Sangamon County Sheriff's 
Office in 1991, eventually serving his one term, where I got to serve 
with him, as sheriff from 2014 to 2018.
  Wes and his wife, Sherry, are well known for their generous hearts 
and extensive charity work with several organizations. For years, and 
where I first met Wes, Wes led the local Toys for Tots drive, 
collecting thousands of toys for children in need.
  In every aspect of his life, Wes put others before himself. He lived 
to serve others and, for so many, he was a role model and a mentor. Wes 
had a compassion for people and a determination to give back to his 
community. Words cannot describe how much he will be missed.
  The thoughts and prayers of Shannon and me are with the entire 
central Illinois community and especially his wife, Sherry, during this 
difficult time.

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