[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 62 (Tuesday, May 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E904]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       A TRIBUTE TO KEN ERICSSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 13, 1997

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention 
Officer Ken Ericsson. This week Mr. Ericsson is being honored by the 
California Highway Patrol with the 1997 Valley Community Legal 
Foundation's Outstanding Performance Award.
  Officer Ericsson is a 19 year veteran of the force who has served his 
entire career in the West San Fernando Valley. Those that have had the 
privilege of working with Ken describe him as a dedicated, reliable, 
and enthusiastic officer. During his tenure as an officer he has 
developed a special interest in officer safety.
  While off-duty Officer Ericsson has attended various officer safety 
courses ranging from firearm safety to officer survival training. These 
skills paved the way for him to become the West Valley Office's safety 
instructor. In that post, he has helped officers become more aware of 
and prepared for potential dangers.
  In addition to helping fellow officers, Ken's farsightedness and 
safety training saved his own life in June 1996. While conducting a 
traffic stop on the shoulder of the Ventura Freeway, he was hit by an 
errant driver and thrown down the freeway's embankment. Had he not been 
standing in the proper position on the shoulder, as he had been 
trained, his injuries would have likely been fatal. Fortunately, Ken 
was able to return to work a short time later.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, Ken's family and friends, and 
the residents of the San Fernando Valley in recognizing the outstanding 
and invaluable service to the community of Officer Ken Ericsson.

                          ____________________