[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 4]
[House]
[Page 5210]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1515
      MOURNING THE PASSING OF WAUKEGAN POLICE CHIEF MIGUEL JUAREZ

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bishop of Utah). Under a previous order 
of the House, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Kirk) is recognized for 
5 minutes.
  Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give sad news to the House, 
that we have lost the police chief of Waukegan, Illinois, Miguel 
Juarez, last night in a tragic heart attack. Miguel Juarez led the 
police department in the largest city in my congressional district, he 
was the highest ranking Latino official in our city, and he was my 
friend. Miguel Juarez at age 50 passed away and completed a 
distinguished career.
  Miguel was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and came to the United States 
at the age of 1. He joined the U.S. Marines and served our country with 
distinction in Japan, Norway and Denmark and finished as a decorated 
veteran at Fort Sheridan in my congressional district. In 1979, he 
joined the Waukegan Police Force as a police officer, rising through 
the ranks continuously, until he became our chief of police in May 
2001. But that only understates Miguel's contribution to our community. 
Miguel was a member of 22 different community organizations in our 
town.
  I extend the House's profound condolences to Miguel's wife, Rosa, and 
his four children. Miguel was a unique man who spoke not just English 
and Spanish, but also Japanese. He was fully qualified as a SWAT team 
member, he taught gang awareness, and he accompanied me recently on a 
drug raid at a house in South Waukegan where I saw the professionalism 
and bravery of the team that he built under him. I want to extend my 
profound sorrow to the entire Waukegan municipal team.
  In the language of his original country, I would like to say, Espero 
que tienes un buen viaje, Miguel, mi Amigo. Tenemos muchas lagrimas en 
Waukegan esta noche. It says, I hope you have a good trip, Miguel, my 
friend, and we are extending many tears in Waukegan this night.
  Miguel Juarez, a leader, a Latino, my friend. We lost him last night. 
We will miss him greatly. The House should mark that time.

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