[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 103 (Tuesday, July 28, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H6498-H6499]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE SACRIFICE OF OFFICER JACOB CHESTNUT AND DETECTIVE JOHN 
                                 GIBSON

  (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, the tragic loss of Officer 
Chestnut and Detective Gibson serve as a painful reminder that every 
day the men and women of the United States Capitol Police put their 
lives on the line, prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice. Officer 
Chestnut and Detective Gibson were called upon to make that sacrifice 
without any second thought. They simply did that to protect others.
  So much of what is said and done in these Halls is a symbol for 
communities across the Nation. Sadly, the service and sacrifice of 
Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson represent the 91 law enforcement 
officers who have given their lives just this year alone in the United 
States. Three of these slain officers served in the community I 
represent, the city of Tampa in Hillsborough County.
  When we lost Police Detectives Randy Bell, Ricky Childers and Trooper 
James Brad Crooks, it dug a hole in our heart and took our breath away. 
That tragedy also brought our community closer together, and it 
deepened our respect and appreciation for the men and women who serve 
as law enforcement officers and their families as well.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to share a poem that brought comfort to our 
community at that time of tragedy. It was read at the funeral of the 
slain officers

[[Page H6499]]

in Tampa. It is an anonymous poem, it is entitled, ``Miss Me, But Let 
Me Go.''

     When I come to the end of the road
     And the sun has set for me,
     I want no rites in a gloom-filled room,
     Why cry for a soul set free?

     Miss me a little, but not too long
     And not with your head bowed low.
     Remember the love that was once shared,
     Miss me, but let me go.

     For this is a journey we all must take,
     And each must go alone.
     It's all part of the Master's plan,
     A step on the road to home.

     When you are lonely and sick of heart,
     Go to the friends we know,
     And bury your sorrows in good deeds.
     Miss me, but let me go.

  Mr. Speaker, our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these 
courageous officers. May they rest in peace.
  I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).
  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida for yielding 
me this time.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with a tremendous sense of loss and sadness that I 
rise today to express my sincere condolences to the families and 
friends of Detective John Gibson and Capitol Police Officer Jacob 
Chestnut and to their colleagues in the Capitol Police. I would also 
like to offer my sincerest gratitude to all of our Capitol Hill 
security personnel who each and every day risk their lives for us, and 
whom oftentimes we take for granted. Thank you for your service, your 
commitment and your valor.
  Detective Gibson was truly an officer's officer. His work exemplified 
the truest meaning of service. He is remembered by colleagues, friends 
and neighbors alike as someone who would do whatever he could do to 
help, someone who always made people feel safe.
  Officer Chestnut was a stalwart of service and professionalism. He 
always exhibited genuine kindness and gentleness to all of us who were 
privileged to know him. My family and I remember his assistance during 
my swearing-in ceremony, his incredible kindness, his guidance, his 
tremendous warmth.
  These two heroes gave their lives in the line of duty in protecting 
their fellow citizens. They paid the supreme price so that others may 
live. They leave behind families, friends, coworkers, communities and 
Americans who will never forget their commitment and their sacrifice. 
Their passing leaves a void that will never be filled.
  We join with the families to remember the special times, and in doing 
so, Detective John Gibson and Officer Jacob Chestnut will have a 
permanent place in our hearts. May they rest in peace.

                          ____________________