[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 6 (Wednesday, February 4, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO OFFICER DAVID LYON

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, too often in Washington and in our districts 
we are greeted with news stories of public apathy and senseless death. 
It seems that we are constantly bombarded with accounts that reflect 
negatively upon humanity.
  When we do hear stories of people selflessly helping their fellow 
man, they are few and far between. For that reason, I would like to 
take a moment to commend David Lyon, a 2\1/2\ year veteran of the U.S. 
Capitol Police Force.
  At around 7 p.m. on January 18, Officer Lyon, who was off duty, was 
suddenly startled by the sound of a car careening into the river near 
his home on the Washington waterfront. Without hesitation, he dove into 
the frigid, winter-chilled water and saved the life of one of the 
vehicle's passengers.
  Like his neighbor, Mr. Courtney Thomas, who saved the other 
passenger, Officer Lyon displayed enormous character and selflessness.
  When confronted with someone in need, Officer Lyon unhesitatingly 
lent a hand; and his valor should be recognized and applauded.
  As a United States Congressman, I am proud that Officer Lyon is part 
of the distinguished U.S. Capitol Police Force; and, as an ordinary 
American, I am proud that he showed such concern for his fellow man.
  I think it is important to note that the Capitol Police Force who man 
security around this building are of the finest caliber and quality. 
They do serve the public and the people of the United States of America 
in not only protecting our guests and visitors, which number in the 
millions on an annual basis, but also the property that we consider 
sacred, this Chamber, the monuments that surround this wonderful 
complex.
  So it is not just Officer Lyon that I speak of today who deserves a 
great deal of thanks from this body and from all citizens of the United 
States for his bravery in this very unique and wonderful opportunity to 
help a fellow human being but, more importantly, that we salute all 
members of law enforcement, both our Capitol Police Force and those 
that serve around our country.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a very, very dangerous job. Many men and women who 
don uniforms and the badges that they wear go out of their homes and 
oftentimes their families do not know whether, in fact, they will 
return safely because of the dangers of just doing their job.

  They are not the best paid in our society. In fact, they are paid far 
too little for the job that they do protecting the civil order of our 
country.
  So tonight in this Chamber in our Nation's Capitol, I salute Officer 
Lyon for his bravery; and I salute every member of the U.S. Capitol 
Police Force for their protection of this great Capitol of ours and 
also all men and women throughout the Nation who honor us by service as 
law enforcement personnel for this country of ours.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Ford) is recognized for 5 minutes.

  (Mr. FORD addressed the House. His remarks will appear hereafter in 
the Extensions of Remarks.)

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