[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 84 (Friday, May 19, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S7010]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   IN MEMORY AND IN HONOR OF FALLEN ARIZONA LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

  Mr. KYL. Mr. President, this year's National Law Enforcement memorial 
service had great meaning and was filled with sadness for the citizens 
of Arizona. Over the past year, four Arizona law enforcement officers 
were killed in the line of duty. The seventh annual memorial service 
and candlelight vigil held here in Washington, DC, this week provided 
an opportunity to remember these dedicated officers and the 
contributions they made to the people of Arizona.
  I had the privilege of visiting with two of the families of these men 
this week. The loss they have experienced is still very painful for 
them. But, they know that the death of their loved ones was not in 
vain. They died to ensure that others could live--safely. These men 
provide an example of the dedicated service that all other law 
enforcement officers in Arizona should strive to achieve.
  Each of them made a unique contribution to Arizona. They all played a 
significant role in working toward a safer and stronger State and 
Nation.
  Mesa Police Officer Steven Paul Pollard died on November 27, 1994, 
when he was struck by a car and killed while conducting a DUI traffic 
stop in the emergency lane of U.S. 60 in Mesa. As Steve stood by the 
driver's door of his vehicle, a motorist traveling eastbound apparently 
fell asleep and drove his vehicle off the roadway striking Steve and 
the police vehicle. He died instantly.
  Steve was born July 5, 1968, in Phoenix to Steven and Ida Garcia. He 
went to Starlight Elementary, Estrella Junior High, and Trevor Brown 
High School. He graduated in 1986. Steve had worked for the department 
of corrections before joining the Mesa Police Department. That was the 
career he wanted all of his life, and he died doing the job he always 
dreamed of doing. Steve is remembered as man who would go beyond the 
call of duty to help others. No job was ever too big or too small for 
Steve.
  Steve is survived by his mother and father, Richard and Ida Pollard; 
is brother and sister, Ruben and Angie; and his wife and daughter, 
Kimber and Celine.
  Wildlife Manager Estevan Escobedo, who had been with the Arizona Game 
and Fish Department for 9 years, was killed in a fiery helicopter crash 
near Coolidge Dam on January 4, 1994. He and three other officials, who 
survived the crash, were on a routine assignment to count javelina in a 
rugged canyon near Winkelman. The area was part of Estevan's district, 
based in Globe. Estevan was the first law enforcement officer killed in 
the line of duty in 1994. It was the first aircraft accident involving 
a fatality for the department since 1980.
  Estevan graduated from Westwood High School and Arizona State 
University. Away from his duties as a wildlife manager, Estevan 
participated in rodeo events such as calf roping. He was a partner, 
confidant, and adopted brother to his rodeo buddies.
  Estevan is survived by his mother and a twin brother. He is 
remembered as a carefree, joyous bother, son, and friend, equipped with 
a playful sense of humor and a sense of duty that led him to give 
lovingly of his time and energy. Those who knew him say that Estevan 
had a smile that will last forever in the memories of those whose lives 
were touched by him.
  Sergeant Patrick (Pat) Riley died on March 11, 1994. He was struck by 
a truck while directing traffic at a construction site. He died 
approximately 2 hours later.
  Pat joined the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office as a detention 
officer in 1983. A year later, he applied for and was accepted as a 
deputy sheriff. He spent 4 years in various positions as a deputy, 
ranging from a beat deputy to detective, culminating his assignment to 
major felonies as a homicide detective. During this period, he was 
nominated for the ``Deputy of the Year'' commendation in 1990. He 
received the B.P.O.E. ``Americanism Award'' in 1991, which was 
presented by Gov. Rose Mofford. Pat was promoted to sergeant in 
September 1992 and served in assignments at the general investigations 
division, detectives, and in patrol. He also received the highly 
coveted ``Distinguished Service Award'' in 1994.
  Pat was one of the lead investigators in the Temple homicide case, in 
which eight Buddhist monks and two apprentices were murdered.
  Pat married Laurie Davis in February 1987. After a courtship of love, 
he leaves behind his wife and no children.
  Sergeant Patrick Devon Thompson died on September 2, 1994. While on 
duty, Sergeant Thompson lost control of his police vehicle, collided 
with an oncoming car, and died instantly.
  Sergeant Thompson served with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office 
since 1978. He is remembered by colleagues as honest, loyal, reliable, 
caring, and trustworthy. He was also very generous with his time, 
especially with the youth of Santa Cruz County. They respected and 
admired him. He was near death in 1991, but had a tremendous will to 
live, and he survived. A second chance can be a wonderful gift, and Pat 
realized this and approached his life with a new vigor, a new 
determination. His last 3 years were dedicated to undertaking new 
challenges and to helping children, especially through the D.A.R.E. 
Program. Pat encouraged the D.A.R.E. kids to live a clean and healthy 
life.
  Sergeant Thompson is survived by his mother, wife, sons, and 
daughters.
  Mr. President, it is an honor for me to remember Sergeants Thompson 
and Riley, Officer Pollard, and Wildlife Manager Escobedo. They served 
their organizations with distinction and with honor. We will never 
forget their sacrifice; we will always remember their spirit.

                          ____________________