U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, D-1st Dist., said he has reached out to U.S. Sens. Roland Burris and Richard Durbin, both Democrats from Illinois, to seek public and private funding to build the state-of-the-art facility, which he estimates could cost millions.
One South Side congressman wants the memory of a slain Chicago police officer remembered for years to come by building a proposed field house named in his honor.
Thomas Wortham IV was killed May 19 outside of his parents’ home during an attempted robbery U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, D-1st Dist., said he has reached out to U.S. Sens. Roland Burris and Richard Durbin, both Democrats from Illinois, to seek public and private funding to build the state-of-the-art facility, which he estimates could cost millions.
“By all standards Officer Wortham was a pillar to his community, a leader among his peers and a hero to our nation” Rush said in a written statement. “The 1st Congressional District has lost a hero and war veteran but his heroism and love for his community and his country will forever live on in our hearts and minds. His spirit serves as the best example of leadership, commitment and selfless service to others. It is fitting that we honor this American hero with a field house in his honor. It will be a deserving tribute to his name and his commitment to bettering the lives of others.”
The field house would be built at Nat King Cole Park, 361 E. 85th St., in the Chatham community on the South Side. Ald. Freddrenna Lyle (6th) said Wortham IV was president of the park’s advisory council and was an active resident in the community.
Wortham IV, 30, had recently completed his second tour of duty in Iraq, and was visiting his parents when four men, attempting to rob him of his new motorcycle, shot and killed him, according to police. Funeral services for the officer were held Friday at Trinity United Church of Christ.
Copyright 2010 Chicago Defender.
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