[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 104 (Wednesday, July 29, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S9239]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO DETECTIVE JOHN GIBSON, OFFICER JACOB CHESTNUT, AND THE 
                  MEMBERS OF THE CAPITOL POLICE FORCE

  Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, in the wake of the terrible crime 
committed in the Capitol last Friday, I want to take a moment to 
reflect on the courage exhibited by the Capitol Police force in the 
face of that attack at the heart of America's democracy.
  The Capitol Police have guarded the U.S. Congress since 1828, but 
their finest, yet most tragic, moment came on July 24, 1998, when two 
officers gave their lives to defend their fellow citizens, and our 
Capitol and all that it represents.
  Officer Jacob J. Chestnut and Detective John M. Gibson, like all the 
quiet heroes of the Capitol Police force and their colleagues across 
America, came to work each day, performing their duties with dedication 
and professionalism, prepared at any moment to lay down their lives so 
that others could be saved, and the security of the Capitol could be 
preserved.
  In a few terrifying minutes on the afternoon of July 24th, that 
moment came, as Detective Gibson and Officer Chestnut gave their lives 
for ours, and for countless other people working and visiting here that 
day. As they bravely defended the Capitol, Detective Gibson and Officer 
Chestnut showed the enormity of their courage, the depth of their 
character, and the fullness of their commitment to duty as Capitol 
Police officers.
  As Americans, we owe Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson a debt 
that can never be repaid. Instead, we can only offer our deepest 
sympathies to the families of these two brave officers, and pledge to 
honor their memories with the same enduring strength and vigilance with 
which they defended our lives.
  I also want to recognize the other Capitol Police officers involved 
in apprehending the gunman, rushing people in the building to safety, 
and conducting the subsequent investigation with such a high degree of 
professionalism. We commend their service in protecting our Capitol and 
reaffirm with confidence that under their watch the house of the people 
will stay open to all the people.
  Americans can take great pride in the heroism the Capitol Police 
displayed last Friday, and in the bravery they summon every day as they 
protect our nation's Capitol. To them I offer my thanks, and the thanks 
of my staff and the people of the State of Wisconsin, for their 
courageous work.

                          ____________________