[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 610-611]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        WILLIE O. STEAM TRIBUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON

                                colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 24, 2011

  Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize the life and service of Willie O. Steam, of Denver, Colorado. 
Patrolman Steam was killed in the line of duty in 1921 and was one of a 
few black police officers of his time.
  Patrolman Steam, employed under the administration of Chief H.R. 
Williams, was a Special Policeman who worked full-time as a night 
watchman at City Hall. The week prior to his murder Patrolman Steam 
enforced an ordinance that prohibited illegal dances. Steam's killer, 
Keil O'Neill, had been the offender of

[[Page 611]]

the ordinance and came to the dance hall where Mr. Steam was 
patrolling. O'Neill shot Patrolmen Steam once in the back and once in 
the head in retaliation. Mr. Steam never had a chance to remove his 
weapon from his holster, according to witness reports.
  According to Chief Williams, Steam was ``one of the most dependable 
and efficient men connected with the police department. He occupied a 
place on the force that was unique and getting another man to fill in 
the manner which Steam did, will be hard.'' For Steam's service to his 
community, the City of Denver paid his funeral expenses.
  Mr. Steam's sacrifice needs to be recognized and commended by this 
body. He was only 48 years old at the time of his death, leaving a wife 
behind. I rise today to offer thanks to Patrolman Steam and his family 
for their service to the city of Denver and the State of Colorado.

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