[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 142 (Tuesday, October 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2036]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT DEREK DANIEL DIAZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 21, 1997

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor bravery and to 
congratulate Sergeant Derek Daniel Diaz on his reception of The 
Citizens' Choice Award. This award is presented to America's finest 
officers who have gone beyond the call of duty to ensure that our 
communities are secure and our children are safe. The following story 
illustrates Sergeant Diaz's heroism and serves as an extraordinary 
example of his dedication to our community.
  Danger is always a heartbeat away for police officers, and May 24, 
1996 was no exception for Sergeant Diaz. At 4 a.m., a woman called 911 
and reported that she had just been shot and gave descriptions of the 
suspects and their vehicle. Sergeant Diaz volunteered to handle the 
call with the assistance of five other units. He quickly spotted a car 
fitting the description, and followed it until the two suspects jumped 
out of the moving vehicle which then crashed.
  The suspects who were now on foot split up and Sergeant Diaz chased 
the driver and tackled him in an alley. Officer Byron Joseph then 
arrived on the scene, and despite the combined strength of the two 
officers, a violent struggle ensued with all three falling to the 
ground. Suddenly, the suspect produced a pistol and shot Sergeant Diaz 
in the base of the neck and Officer Joseph in the arm.
  Sergeant Diaz, wounded and on the ground, looked up to see the 
suspect preparing to shoot Officer Joseph again. Fearing for the life 
of his fellow officer, Sergeant Diaz prevented the suspect from killing 
Officer Joseph and with a single shot, fatally wounding the suspect. 
Sergeant Diaz then collapsed to the ground.
  Sergeant Diaz's courage and will to survive undoubtedly saved the 
life of Officer Joseph as well as his own. But in spite of this heroic 
act and countless others, Sergeant Diaz refuses to accept The Citizens' 
Choice Award only for himself. Rather, he is a custodian of this award 
for all police officers who put their lives on the line every night and 
every day.
  Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in honoring 
Sergeant Diaz for his bravery and heroism and upon reception of The 
Citizens' Choice Award. This recognition is long overdue.

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