[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 167 (Thursday, October 26, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2059]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            LAPD OFFICERS DONALD LINT AND HONG KIM--TOP COPS

                                 ______


                            HON. JANE HARMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 26, 1995

  Ms. HARMON. Mr. Speaker, what makes the news these days often is very 
different than what really takes place day after day on the streets of 
a big city.
  This is perhaps no truer than in the coverage the news gives police 
departments and the men and women who comprise their ranks.
   We all know from our personal experiences that the vast majority of 
police men and women are ordinary individuals doing extraordinary jobs. 
The news sometimes suggests otherwise. But, fortunately, there are 
occasions, like the one last night, where we can correct the record and 
the false impressions the news programs often leave.
  Last night, here in Washington, two patrol officers from the Los 
Angeles Police Department were among 14 men and women honored as the 
Nation's Top Cops by the National Association of Police Organizations. 
I am proud to join the Vice President and my fellow Angelenos in 
extending congratulations to all 14 distinguished public servants, and 
especially to 2 of LAPD's finest.
   Officer Hong Kim and his partner Donald Lint were honored for their 
selfless bravery in rescuing several individuals hurt and trapped 
following the 1993 Northridge earthquake. In one instance, they fought 
through a 150-foot wall of flames to rescue a motorist trapped in a 
burning truck. Then they rescued an elderly man from a flame-engulfed 
house.
  For them, it may have all been in a day's work. For us, their actions 
are nonetheless the source of great inspiration.
  We place profound responsibilities on our Nation's police officers, 
asking them to combat crime, uphold the law, and defend our lives and 
property by risking their own.
  At minimum, these courageous and skilled individuals deserve our 
support and the resources necessary to make their jobs easier, and our 
safety more certain. In my 3 years of service in Congress, I have 
supported tough changes strengthening our criminal laws. I have 
supported removing assault weapons from the streets and making handgun 
possession more difficult. And I have supported increased funds to 
assure that our police have the best technological resources available 
for catching criminals.
  But my actions pale in comparison with the contributions Hong Kim, 
Donald Lint, and all LAPD and South Bay police officers make each day. 
To all of them, I offer my deep appreciation and heartfelt gratitude.

                          ____________________