[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 15, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E813-E814]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF OFFICER KEITH BRADDOCK

                                 ______


                           HON. EARL POMEROY

                            of north dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 15, 1996

  Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Speaker, this week has been designated National 
Police Week. In conjunction with this, I would like to take a moment 
today to honor a North Dakota peace officer recently killed in the line 
of duty. Watford City police officer Keith Braddock died March 20 of 
this year after he was shot while responding to an incident at the 
American Legion Club.
  Mr. Speaker, Keith Braddock was a family man. He was married and had 
three children. While his family must now try to move on from this 
horrible nightmare, I hope it provides them some comfort to know that 
every North Dakotan is grateful for his service to the people of our 
State. Cities and small towns all across America are more secure 
because of dedicated peace officers like Keith.
  The tragedy that unfolded late that afternoon on Main Street has 
awakened the 1,800 residents of Watford City that they are not immune 
to the all-too-prevalent acts of violence occurring in our Nation's 
cities. Protecting citizens from harms way is a dangerous task--both in 
our urban centers and in rural America. Although peace officers in many 
small communities may know most of the folks in town, they can't be too 
cautious. For the most part, these officers are out there on their 
own--backup can be miles away.
  This unfortunate situation has underscored the fact that senseless 
acts of violence can

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happen anywhere. We owe a debt of gratitude to those like Keith 
Braddock who put their own lives at risk to make us a little safer.

                          ____________________