[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 65 (Wednesday, May 20, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H3493]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO TAMPA BAY POLICE OFFICERS

  (Mr. DAVIS of Florida asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. DAVIS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, James Brad Crooks, a brand new 
highway patrol trooper in Florida engaged to be married; Randy Bell, a 
Tampa police detective, a 20-year veteran of the force described as a 
hard worker with quiet ambition; Rick Childers, a Tampa Police 
Department detective, another 20-year veteran, who in 1990 bravely went 
into a creek and saved a young girl who was drowning in a car. These 
law enforcement officers have solved hundreds of cases, saved many 
lives in the Tampa Bay area that I represent.
  Yesterday, each of them died in the line of duty at the hands of a 
gunman who later took his own life and also at a time when his 4-year-
old stepson died under questionable circumstances.
  I stand here on the floor of the House today to express our sorrow to 
the families of these 3 slain law enforcement officers, to express 
gratitude for their lifetime commitment they made to protect our 
community and to salute them for their efforts, and to say that we will 
try to learn from the terrible lessons of this terrific tragedy that 
struck the Tampa Bay area yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers are with 
their families and with all of their colleagues who are grieving.

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