[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E46]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PAYING TRIBUTE TO BILL McCLUSKEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 29, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I pay 
tribute today to Pueblo Police Department Sgt. Bill McCluskey, who 
recently lost his life to cancer. In his 38 years of dedication to the 
police force, Bill embodied the ideals of integrity, honesty and 
courage that we, as Americans, have come to expect from the brave men 
and women who serve as our law enforcement officers. As his family 
mourns his loss, I believe it is appropriate to remember Bill and pay 
tribute to him for his contributions to his city, his state and his 
country.
  Bill McCluskey was not an ordinary police officer. In 1999, he was 
recognized as the Pueblo Police Department's officer of the year, and 
during his tenure in the department, he received over 100 letters of 
commendation. In 1989, he was promoted to sergeant, and through his 
tireless work ethic and impeccable reputation for honesty and 
integrity, Bill emerged as the department's patriarch and role model.
  It was Bill's dedication and love for his job, his family and his 
community that distinguished him from, and endeared him to all who knew 
Bill. He is survived by his wife Sharon, and his two sons Michael and 
Jonathan. Not only will he be missed by his immediate family, but also 
by the many brave men and women who served with him in the Pueblo 
Police Department. He is, without question, one of this country's true 
heroes. He was a man that served his community with a passion, and 
helped to make it a much better and safer place. The Pueblo community 
and I are eternally grateful for his service.
  Mr. Speaker, we are all terribly saddened by the loss of Bill 
McCluskey, but take comfort in the knowledge that our grief is 
overshadowed only by the legacy of courage, selflessness and love that 
Bill left with all of us. His life is the very embodiment of all that 
makes this country great, and I am deeply honored to be able to bring 
his life to the attention of this body of Congress.

                          ____________________