[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 105 (Thursday, July 30, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1467]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               IN TRIBUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 28, 1998

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Capitol Police 
Officers John Gibson and Jacob Chestnut who gave their lives last week 
in a vicious attack by a deranged gunman.
  My heart goes out to the families of these officers, both of whom 
spent 18 years in courageous and devoted service to their country as 
members of the Capitol Police. They gave their lives, not only 
protecting Members of Congress, but the thousands of Americans and 
foreign visitors to this great monument, the people's house of 
government.
  Officers Gibson and Chestnut were both known as kind, personable men 
who were especially devoted to their families. They performed their 
jobs with a special kind of pride in playing a small part in the smooth 
and efficient conduct of the processes of government.
  As we go about our business in the Capitol, we tend to take for 
granted the freedom and protection we enjoy because of the selfless 
contributions of our Capitol Police who are constantly on guard against 
the type of insane acts which took the lives of Officers Chestnut and 
Gibson and wounded an innocent civilian.
  This horrible act reminds us once again of the debt we owe to those 
officers who do their jobs daily in protecting those who work here and 
those who visit. With few exceptions, problems, large and small, are 
prevented so we are left free and comfortable to perform our jobs in 
peace.
  We owe these men and their families a great debt of gratitude for 
their sacrifice. They will not be forgotten and their contributions 
will be forever recognized by the Members of the House of 
Representatives.

                          ____________________