COMMENDING CHIEF LEONARD BURGESS

On 2026-08-03, Representative Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL-24) delivered a floor speech titled "COMMENDING CHIEF LEONARD BURGESS" in the House.

COMMENDING CHIEF LEONARD BURGESS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 126 (Monday, August 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 126 (Monday, August 3, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E762] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] COMMENDING CHIEF LEONARD BURGESS ______ HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON of florida in the house of representatives Monday, August 3, 2026 Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize Mr. Leonard Burgess was appointed on June 8, 2014 to the position of Police Chief for the North Miami Police Department in Miami-Dade County Florida. I include in the Record the following proclamation: Whereas, Chief Burgess is a long-standing and progressive law enforcement officer well suited to lead North Miami Police Department. Having started his law enforcement career in North Miami Florida in 1984, he spent the past 29 years amassing, diversifying and refining his professional qualifications and his personal attributes; Whereas, during his 20-year tenure with the Miami-Dade Police Department, Chief Burgess diligently and effectively served in numerous capacities, during this period he advanced from the rank of police officer to the position of Division Chief, where he was responsible for managing and supervising hundreds of personnel; Whereas, from October of 2006 through December 2006, Chief Burgess was appointed and served as interim Director of the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department. Later, again he responded to the call for service when he was requested and voluntarily returned as the Department's Deputy Director; Whereas, as the father of three children, Chief Burgess takes great pride in sharing his wisdom with young people to positively contribute to their growth and development. Chief Burgess has maintained a commitment and has worked tirelessly for more than 15 years to assist children serving as a mentor with and through the 5000 Role Model of Excellence Program; Whereas, prior to his serving the South Florida communities of Miami-Dade County and North Miami Florida, Chief Burgess proudly served his Country in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged after service was complete; and Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Frederica S. Wilson, a Member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the 24th Congressional District of Florida, commend Chief Leonard Burgess for his dedication to his profession, and his commitment to serve others and maintain a pledge to commitment and to personal involvement and assuming leadership roles. ____________________