[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 101 (Wednesday, July 16, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1438]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO A FALLEN HERO

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                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 16, 1997

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Det. Paul Hale 
of the Raleigh Police Department who was killed in the line of duty 
last Friday. Detective Hale is survived by his wife, Connie, and their 
daughters, Jessica Anne, age 10, and Stephanie Lynn, age 7.
  Mr. Speaker, I did not know Detective Hale personally, but I know 
well of his work and that of his brother police officers. Law 
enforcement officers in North Carolina serve day-in and day-out on the 
frontlines in the battle to secure safe streets and communities. As 
this tragic event illustrates, too often this battle is waged against 
long odds.
  Paul Hale excelled at his dangerous, often thankless, job. His 7 
years of exemplary service won him a promotion just last week to the 
esteemed rank of police detective. Recognized for his skills in 
pursuing lawbreakers, Detective Hale was hot on the trail of a murder 
suspect when a 9-millimeter bullet to the head snuffed out his young 
life. The perpetrator of this terrible crime is reported to be a 
teenager with a history of criminal activity.
  Mr. Speaker, the tide of youth violence is rising at a rapid rate. I 
have spent several days in recent months on patrol with North 
Carolina's men and women of law enforcement as they endeavor to thwart 
this growing threat. Although statistics tell us overall violent crime 
is down some 5 percent nationwide, youth violence has risen by 6 
percent in my home State.
  We must adopt a tough and smart new approach to stem this rising tide 
of youth violence. Law enforcement is struggling hard to do the job, 
but they cannot do it alone. They need and deserve our help and 
support.
  Mr. Speaker, last week, Paul Hale made the ultimate sacrifice to 
serve and protect the people of North Carolina. I call on this Congress 
to take aggressive action to crack down on violent criminals and 
demonstrate that this North Carolina hero did not die in vain.

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