[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14046]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO DETECTIVE KEVIN BURNHAM OF THE SPRINGFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT 
                           ON HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 2014

  Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, on July 25, the Springfield, Massachusetts, 
Police Department said farewell to their longest serving officer when 
Kevin Burnham retired after 43 years and 2 months on the job. A highly 
respected professional, a popular colleague, and a dear friend to 
everyone on the force, Kevin relinquished his senior officer badge last 
week to Ruben Boerro following a time-honored tradition. For the first 
time since July of 1971, Detective Burnham would not be patrolling the 
streets of the city he loves.
  Ask anyone in the department who their favorite co-worker was, and 
the reply would likely be Kevin Burnham. They admired his dedication, 
strength and courage. They enjoyed his sense of humor and the laughter 
that seemed to follow him everywhere. And his loyalty was unquestioned. 
At the end of the day, Kevin looked upon the Springfield Police 
Department as a band of brothers and sisters. To him, the force was a 
family working together to make our city a better place to live, work 
and raise our children.
  From his early days as a rookie, it was obvious that Kevin was born 
to be a cop. He had the streets smarts necessary to be effective in law 
enforcement, but he also had compassion. Those two qualities were the 
reasons his career was so successful. Whether it was becoming one of 
the first detectives to work on the narcotics bureau, his service in 
both the uniform division and the crime prevention bureau, or the 
responsibility that came with the job of evidence officer, Kevin 
performed each task exceptionally. He was honest and trustworthy, and 
his fellow officers knew he had their back.
  Being a police officer always comes with risks. And two years ago, 
one of his closest friends, Officer Kevin Ambrose, was killed in the 
line of duty. To Kevin Burnham, it was the lowest of low points. But 
with his trademark integrity and character, he led the funeral 
procession for his fallen friend along with nearly one thousand law 
enforcement officials from across the country. He helped turn a sad day 
into a touching tribute to a lost comrade. That's the kind of person he 
is.
  Kevin and Barbara Burnham have been great friends of mine for many 
years. They are good people and great fun. As Kevin begins his long 
overdue retirement, I want to wish him nothing but the very best. And 
on behalf of the United States of America, it gives me personal 
satisfaction to congratulate him on an extraordinary career serving and 
protecting the citizens of Springfield. Well done Detective Burnham.

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