Ozarks Profile: David P. Rush

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What is your job?|ret||ret||tab|

David P. Rush is an assistant United States attorney for the Western District of Missouri. He also serves as the Narcotics Unit supervisor for the Federal Drug Task Force and lead attorney for the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. "My duties relate to the identification, investigation and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations, with the goal of disrupting and/or dismantling these organizations." |ret||ret||tab|

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Please tell us about your agency.|ret||ret||tab|

The U.S. Attorney's Office serves two basic functions, according to Rush, with the most visible being the prosecution of violations of federal crimes occurring in the Department of Justice's Western District, which covers the western part of Missouri. The second function is to provide legal representation to the federal government, its agencies and employees in civil court actions. "The United States Department of Justice has been described as the largest law firm in the world," he said.|ret||ret||tab|

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What prepared you for work as a U.S. attorney?|ret||ret||tab|

Rush attended Southwest Missouri State University, graduating in 1983 with a bachelor of science degree in education. He then attended law school at the University of Iowa, after which he served 2 1/2 years as assistant Greene County prosecuting attorney. "My time there was probably the best preparation I could have received for my present position," he said. "I was exposed to a wide variety of felony cases and had the opportunity to handle a large number of trials in a short period of time. It was there that I learned that proper preparation prevents poor performance."|ret||ret||tab|

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What's the best part of your job?|ret||ret||tab|

Rush said there are various aspects of my job that make it interesting and enjoyable for him. "One, I get to represent the United States and the people of southwest Missouri," he said. "Two, I have the honor of working with dedicated law enforcement at the local, state and federal levels. ... Three, each day is new and each case involves a new challenge."|ret||ret||tab|

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Can you tell us something about your personal life and family?|ret||ret||tab|

Rush is married and has one child. He serves on the board of directors of the Boys and Girls Club of Springfield and also coaches his daughter's YMCA soccer team. "Both activities bring me great joy, since our children represent our future," he said. "The investment of our time and money in young people will yield the greatest returns." |ret||ret||tab|

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How do you like to spend your leisure time?|ret||ret||tab|

"I like to spend time with my family and their various activities," Rush said. "Our family is also active in our church. We also try to be involved in volunteer activities in Springfield. I believe that when you give of your time and money, you will always get more in return. I also love to golf, but find it difficult to find the time to go."|ret||ret||tab|

by Frank Shipe |ret||ret||tab|

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