[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 103 (Tuesday, July 28, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H6494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         PROFOUND CONDOLENCES FROM THE 4TH DISTRICT OF FLORIDA

  (Mrs. FOWLER asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mrs. FOWLER. Mr. Speaker, last Friday a terrible and devastating 
incident occurred here in the Capitol of our Nation. Inside this 
glistening white marble building one person changed the lives of two 
families forever and held a Nation captive as we prayed for the lives 
of two dedicated police officers who have protected us without as much 
as a second thought.
  In our daily rush we may sometimes forget that the officers we see 
throughout the buildings are there ready to make the personal 
sacrifices their duty requires. Staff members sometimes feel frustrated 
if they are stopped by an officer as they give tours, and interns are 
sometimes flustered if asked for identification. It is so easy to 
forget that these officers are trying to protect us despite ourselves.
  Winston Churchill once said: ``We make a living by what we get, but 
we make a life by what we give.''
  The recent events bring their duty into clearer focus and force us to 
realize that, despite our occasional complacency, these officers must 
be prepared every day to face danger. Last Friday, in little more than 
a heartbeat, a delusional person was able to cowardly snuff out the 
life of a dedicated and professional officer. Jacob Chestnut was, 
however, much more than just a police officer. He was a good husband 
and father, and he was a caring member of his community and church.
  Unfortunately, he was not alone. Officer John Gibson had three 
children and made time in his life for many others. He was the kind of 
person who was willing to dress up as Santa Claus to thrill children at 
Christmas. As a deputy whip to majority whip Tom DeLay, I came to know 
John Gibson as a man assigned to protect the majority whip. Many days I 
would go in the side entrance to the office, and Detective Gibson would 
be there with his reassuring presence and smile. We all came to know 
and care for Officer John Gibson.
  Despite the tragic turn of events on Friday it is my personal belief 
that the police security worked. The intruder was stopped before he was 
able to roam freely throughout the U.S. Capitol Building killing 
innocent civilians. I am proud of Officers Gibson and Chestnut. I am 
also proud of all the other officers on duty that day for their quick 
and professional response in bringing down the alleged killer, helping 
their fallen comrades and managing the hundreds of people who were 
either working or touring in the Capitol.
  I would also like to express my own profound condolences as well as 
those of the people of the 4th District of Florida to the families of 
Officer Jacob Chestnut and Officer John Gibson. May God bless them.

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