[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 104 (Tuesday, July 22, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1467]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        SHARPSBURG'S FALLEN HERO

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                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 22, 1997

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a fallen 
hero in Sharpsburg, NC, in my congressional district. Wayne Hathaway, 
Sharpsburg's chief of police, was brutally slain in the line of duty 
last Thursday.
  Chief Hathaway served 25 years, more than half his entire life, 
enforcing the law and keeping the peace in Sharpsburg. Last week, the 
chief made the ultimate sacrifice while responding to a call about a 
domestic dispute. The accused killer did not end his crime with the 
chief but turned his gun on his own wife and tragically took her life 
as well.
  Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, I joined 1,200 mourners in Sharpsburg to pay 
tribute to Chief Hathaway's quarter century of service, leadership, and 
friendship. Law enforcement officers serve each and every day across 
this country in the battle against the criminal element to keep our 
streets and communities safe. We in Congress must give our police the 
support they need so that the service and sacrifice of Wayne Hathaway 
and all the dedicated officers like him are not made in vain.
  Nothing is more important to our people than safe streets and 
communities in which they can life, work, and raise a family. Wayne 
Hathaway provided that public safety to Sharpsburg for 25 years, and we 
are in his debt.
  Jesus teaches us ``Greater love has no one than this, that he lay 
down his life for his friends.'' (John 15:13).
  Mr. Speaker, on Sunday Sharpsburg buried a fallen hero who laid down 
his life for his friends and neighbors. Our thoughts and prayers are 
with the family and friends of Wayne Hathaway.

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