[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 103 (Tuesday, July 28, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H6493]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               IN TRIBUTE

  (Mr. CASTLE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of myself, my staff and the people 
of Delaware, I want to extend my deepest sympathy to the family and 
friends of Detective Gibson and Officer Chestnut. I also want 
Congressman DeLay and his staff as well as the visitors to the Capitol 
who witnessed this tragedy to know that they are in our thoughts today.
  Detective Gibson and Officer Chestnut were heroes who gave their 
lives protecting the United States Capitol and those who work here and 
visit this great building. Words are not able to convey the thanks and 
respect we owe these two men.
  I also want to pay tribute to the other Members of the Capitol Hill 
Police who responded to this terrible tragedy. They too are heroes. 
Fortunately, they did not have to pay the price that Officer Chestnut 
and Detective Gibson did, but their commitment to their duty and the 
safety of others was clearly demonstrated on that fateful day.
  Mr. Speaker, I also want to thank the members of the Capitol Hill 
Police Force and our law enforcement officers across the Nation for the 
service they provide to the people of the United States. Unfortunately, 
I have attended services like this one today for fallen officers in 
Delaware. They are never easy but they do remind us of the absolute 
dedication that every law enforcement officer brings to the job and the 
very real risk they take every day.
  Mr. Speaker, our thanks and prayers go to Officer Chestnut and 
Detective Gibson. We will always remember them. In their memory, we 
also thank all the men and women in law enforcement who share the 
commitment that these two heroes exemplified. Finally, I want to say to 
the families of John Gibson and J.J. Chestnut, thank you for giving us 
these two men. We are eternally grateful, and you will remain in our 
thoughts and prayers.

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