[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14547]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     THE DAILY 45: HONORING CHICAGO POLICE OFFICER RICHARD FRANCIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 9, 2008

  Mr. RUSH. Madam Speaker, the Department of Justice tells us that, 
every day, 45 people, on average, are fatally shot in the United 
States. Sometimes, sadly, the victims of this carnage are the men and 
women who've pledged to serve and protect our society. Today, I reflect 
on the senseless loss of life of 60-year-old Chicago Police Officer 
Richard M. Francis. Officer Francis was a 27-year veteran of the force 
and a first class officer. A heroic Vietnam War Veteran and a member of 
the Navy Special Forces, Officer Francis survived two bomb attacks in 
the Mekong Delta and was described by friends, family and co-workers as 
a man who loved life. But, on July 2nd, Francis could not survive a 
bullet discharged when a homeless woman grabbed his service revolver 
and shot him in the head.
  Officer Francis leaves behind his wife of 10 years, Deborah, and his 
mentally challenged stepdaughter, Bianca. While charges are pending 
against his alleged perpetrator, the cruel irony is that this man who 
loved his job, loved his family and survived the Vietcong, lost his 
life in an instant when an allegedly disturbed woman got her hands on 
his weapon.
  On behalf of my constituents and a grieving city, I extend my prayers 
and sincere condolences to Officer Francis' family and friends.
  Americans of conscience must come together to stop the senseless 
death of ``The Daily 45.'' When will we say ``enough is enough, stop 
the killing!''

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