[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 41 (Thursday, April 2, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E578-E579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN MEMORY OF U.S. CAPITOL POLICE OFFICER THOMAS ROBINSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB GOODLATTE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 1, 1998

  Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of the 
finest Capitol Police officers we have known, Officer T.O. ``Tommy'' 
Robinson, whose life was tragically taken by cancer on March 23.
  While Officer Robinson was a dedicated law enforcement officer and 
public servant, his life was a testimony to others as well. He will be 
deeply missed by all who had the great privilege of knowing him.
  Tommy Robinson served his country in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1968, 
and served honorably as a member of the Capitol Police for 27 years. He 
leaves behind his wife of 20 years, Denise, as well as their 12-year-
old son Christopher. He was a man of steadfast faith, which he lived 
out on a daily basis.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to insert into the Record a copy of the 
eulogy given by our Capitol Police Chief Gary Abrecht in memory of 
Tommy Robinson, which pays tribute to his life and testimony. Everyone 
who came in contact with Officer Tommy Robinson is a better person for 
having done so. I know that the entire House joins me in expressing our 
deepest sympathies and prayers for Denise and Christopher.
  I submit the following article.

               In Memory, Officer T.O. ``Tommy'' Robinson

       As I consider all the men and women of the US Capitol 
     Police, I'm struck by the particular strengths each 
     individual brings to the

[[Page E579]]

     job. Some are outstanding in their enforcement of laws; some, 
     in their interviewing and interrogation of criminal suspects; 
     still others in their expertise in utilizing a specific 
     technique or method in the performance of their duties. While 
     Officer Robinson was a dedicated law enforcement 
     practitioner, his particular skill, and one critical to a 
     successful career in policing, was his memorable and 
     exceptional ability to interact positively with others.
       As difficult as this is to achieve in life, Officer 
     Robinson seemed to have no enemies. Whenever his name is 
     mentioned, people consistently use phrases such as 
     ``courteous, friendly, helpful, professional, and genuine.'' 
     Officer Robinson's impact on the lives of his co-workers and 
     others he came into contact with is truly remarkable. He 
     truly epitomized the underlying ideals of law enforcement by 
     his dedication and cooperative spirit, and not only will his 
     pleasant demeanor be missed, but so also will his positive 
     influence on others.
       Officer Robinson's twenty-seven year career with the US 
     Capitol Police included many different assignments. Most of 
     his service was divided between the Capitol Division, FRU, 
     and the House Division, where he leaves behind a host of 
     friends and co-workers. Officer Robinson was an original 
     member of the First Responder Unit of the Capitol 
     Division, and stories abound of his selflessness and 
     enthusiastic attitude. The First Responder Unit carries 
     out their duties while confronting the harshest weather 
     this area offers. Officer Robinson worked in these 
     conditions as a member of the FRU for ten (10) years, and 
     all reports indicate that he did so without complaint. In 
     fact, Officer Robinson was an example to others in his 
     dedication to duty, and strict adherence to the policies 
     and directives of his unit.
       Some thirteen years of Officer Robinson's career were spent 
     with the House Division. Officer Robinson, consistent with 
     his actions wherever he worked, endeared himself to his House 
     Division co-workers and the staff and visitors, ensuring he 
     will be missed, but not forgotten.
       One of the most well-known facts about Officer Robinson was 
     that he was a man of faith. His belief in GOD, and Jesus 
     Christ as Lord, overshadowed every aspect of his being, and 
     he made no secret of this important matter to all who knew 
     him. He was quick to point to this belief as the reason that 
     he carried himself as he did, with compassion, understanding 
     and forgiveness. He often remarked to others how he wished 
     more people on the Department shared a belief in GOD, and how 
     he felt this would resolve some of the issues that divided 
     not only his co-workers, but humanity in general. As an 
     example of faith-in-action, Officer Robinson established a 
     monthly prayer breakfast for benefit of his co-workers and 
     friends. Meeting every first Wednesday of the month at 0600 
     hours, these meetings were well-attended by a wide cross-
     section of ranks from within the Department, and eventually 
     interested parties form outside the agency attended to 
     participate in prayer, reading of Scripture, and occasionally 
     even song. Officer Robinson ensured that all attendees were 
     welcomed openly, and had an opportunity to express themselves 
     freely. Even when Officer Robinson fell ill, he often 
     encouraged others to maintain their attendance at these 
     meetings, feeling, and stating, that his absence should not 
     be a reason for the discontinuation of the meetings, or the 
     failure of others to attend. After each of these Wednesday 
     morning meetings, Officer Robinson could be seen making his 
     way to groups of officers who had not attended the meeting, 
     offering them the ``goodies'' that had been brought to the 
     breakfast by himself and the other attendees. This vision of 
     Officer Robinson, walking up to groups of his friends and 
     offering food and a certain word of good-will is one that 
     many of us will reflect on with fondness in the coming days.
       Officer Robinson was never swayed in his projection to us 
     all of a peace that passes understanding. In the midst of 
     confronting his illness, Officer Robinson was always upbeat 
     and positive, rarely making reference to his ailment, and 
     never complaining about it. He was truly remarkable in his 
     ability to make whoever he was talking to feel better, even 
     if that person was attempting to encourage Officer Robinson.
       Because of his illness, Officer Robinson was unable to work 
     for several weeks during the past months. Whenever he was 
     contacted at home, he invariably spoke of his return to duty, 
     often apologizing to his supervisors for not being at 
     work. After his most lengthy absence, one of the first 
     things Officer Robinson did was to request an opportunity 
     to address his co-workers at roll call. This request was 
     quickly granted, and in his comments to his co-workers, 
     Officer Robinson not only thanked everyone for their 
     prayerful support of him, but insisted that everyone 
     should ensure that they maintained an adequate balance of 
     sick leave, because you never know when you may need it. 
     This type of comment most often comes from supervisors, 
     and is often met with varying degrees of belief or 
     acceptance, but when it came from Officer Robinson, it was 
     received with interest and respect, for this is the type 
     of response that Officer Robinson's character demanded and 
     generated.
       As a further testimony to Officer Robinson's character, 
     soon after he had addressed his co-workers at roll call, he 
     approached his supervisors with a suggestion that typified 
     his selfless nature. With great humility, he asked if he 
     might be allowed to provide a meal for the co-workers he so 
     appreciated. With a great amount of awe, his request was 
     granted and soon afterwards, Officer Robinson enlisted the 
     services of a friend who catered the lunch-time meal for the 
     entire daywork section of the House Division. Not a small 
     undertaking, Officer Robinson ensured that all of the 
     approximately 66 individuals present for an average workday 
     were invited to the meal, and were able to enjoy not only his 
     company, but a superb meal as well. This generosity is 
     unheard of, and many officers remarked how humbled they were 
     by Officer Robinson's act of charity and kindness.
       Officer Robinson's friends and co-workers will remember him 
     for these acts of generosity and compassion. His humble 
     nature and patient endurance serve as an example to us all of 
     how to face life and difficult circumstances with grace, 
     courage, and thoughtfulness. He will be missed not only for 
     his pleasant demeanor and positive attitude, but for the 
     tremendous influence for good that his mere presence infused 
     into the lives of everyone. One officer has remarked recently 
     that Officer Robinson was too good for this world. Perhaps we 
     can all learn from Officer Robinson how to live lives that 
     honor those around us. His legacy to the men and women of the 
     Capitol Police calls us to righteousness and servanthood, 
     hallmarks of not only a good police officer, but of a good 
     human being.

     

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