[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 66 (Monday, May 19, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E956]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 NATIONAL PEACE OFFICERS' MEMORIAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 1997

  Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate National Peace 
Officers' Memorial Day and pay tribute to our fallen brothers and 
sisters.
  I would especially like to pay tribute to the seven officers in 
Georgia who made the ultimate sacrifice--giving their lives in the line 
of duty during the last year. Officers Dennis Cader, Richard Cash, 
Brett Dickey, George Hester, Victor Pimentel, Durwin Potts, and Scott 
Smith served their communities with courage and valor while protecting 
the women and men of Georgia.
  Every day the law enforcement community stands on the front line 
ready to serve and protect you and me. It is only fitting that we pay 
tribute to them today. We in Congress should support all initiatives 
that take violent criminals and those who pose a threat off the street. 
Additionally, the American people should show support and respect for 
these brave frontline officers. All too often we take law enforcement 
officers and the job they do for granted. However, much of our peace of 
mind as we walk our streets is a direct result of the work they do to 
protect us. With this in mind, I strongly encourage more community law 
enforcement partnerships.
  Officers from all across the country traveled to Washington, DC this 
week to celebrate National Police Week, which culminates with National 
Peace Officers' Memorial Day. Hundreds of law enforcement personnel and 
family members of the fallen officers stood on the west front of the 
Capitol today to bid a final farewell to their comrades who fell in the 
last year. They will also stand at the National Law Enforcement 
Officers' Memorial tomorrow evening to participate in a candlelight 
vigil to honor and celebrate the lives of these brave officers.
  We thank the families who stood and continue to stand by their loved 
ones while they put their lives on the line for us. Our prayers are 
with you and we join with you to celebrate their great work. Our Nation 
is greatly enriched by the contributions of these great men and women.

                          ____________________