[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 59 (Thursday, May 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E877]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    A TRIBUTE TO PETER AGUIRRE, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 1997

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the late 
Deputy Peter Aguirre, Jr., a man who made the ultimate sacrifice to his 
fellow citizens--he gave up his life in the line of duty. Even as we 
mourn the death of Deputy Peter Aguirre, we remember and celebrate his 
life, the family and friends that love him, his work as a deputy, and 
the ideals that he lived by.
  After graduating from California State University at Northridge in 
1994, Peter attended the Ventura County Sheriff's Academy. On April 24, 
1994, he was sworn in as a deputy, and was assigned to Detention 
Services in the Ventura County Main Jail. In January 1996 he was given 
his second assignment, patrol at the Ojai substation. Despite his short 
time as a law enforcement officer, Peter's fellow officers were 
impressed by his hard work and reliability.
  On July 17, 1996, Deputy Aguirre and other officers responded to a 
domestic disturbance call. Shortly after arriving at the scene the 
suspect opened fire on the deputies, fatally wounding Deputy Aguirre. 
The Ventura County community felt a great loss with Peter's tragic 
death. The sacrifice he made was best put by his boss, Sheriff Larry 
Carpenter:

       Peter did something extraordinary, something courageous, 
     something valorous. Peter gave all that he had. Peter also 
     gave up much. He gave up ever seeing his beautiful wife after 
     working long shifts. He gave up the ability to hold his 
     precious daughter in his hands. He gave up spending Sunday 
     afternoons with his mother and father. He gave up everything, 
     simply so that you and I could do all those things with our 
     families.

  Deputy Aguirre's bravery for the sake of our community is truly 
remarkable. He put his life on the line to protect the safety of our 
families and our community, indeed we all owe him a great debt. Mr. 
Speaker, I would like to take this moment to recognize not only Peter, 
but the 53 law enforcement officers that gave up their lives last year 
in the line of duty. It is only through the self-sacrifice and 
dedication of these individuals that we are able to enjoy the freedom 
and safety that make this Nation great.

                          ____________________