Congressman Bobby Rush crusades to construct state-of-the art Cole Park field house in honor of slain Chicago Police Officer Thomas Wortham IV

CHICAGO - As mourners prepare to say their final goodbye to slain Chicago Police Officer and Iraq war veteran Thomas Wortham IV, Congressman Bobby L. Rush (D-IL) has started a crusade to build a state-of-the-art field house in honor of the slain hero. Today, the legislator asked the Chicago Park District and U.S. Senators Richard J. Durbin and Roland Burris to seek public and private funding for a facility to be based in the South Side park the officer had dedicated much of his life.

The 30-year-old Chicago police officer, who had recently returned from a tour of duty in Iraq was shot and killed on May 19 when several people approached him outside his family's home and tried to steal his new motorcycle. Wortham, a member of the Wisconsin National Guard, was last promoted to 1st Lieutenant in August 2008. The officer will be funeralized today at 11:30 AM at Trinity United Church of Christ on the South Side.

Rep. Rush wrote Chicago Park District President Bryan Traubert that Wortham, who also volunteered  as president of the Cole Park Advisory Council,  spent most of his life working to improve Nat King Cole Park, 361 E. 85th Street, and ensuring that children and youth could participate in recreational activities unhampered by drug dealing and street violence.  Because of his dedication, the congressman urged the Park District to apply for a federal grant from the U.S. Land and Water Conservation Fund and to name the newly constructed facility in honor of Wortham.  The project, which could cost millions of dollars, would be financed by both public and private dollars.

"By all standards Officer Wortham was a pillar to his community, a leader among his peers and a hero to our nation" Rush said. "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."

Rush said in addition to seeking the support of both senators, he will ask for all members of the Illinois congressional delegation to join the effort.  A PDF copy of the letters is attached.

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