[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 106 (Friday, July 31, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1498]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               IN TRIBUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOHN S. TANNER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 28, 1998

  Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Officer Jacob 
Chestnut and Detective John Gibson, and to honor the sacrifice they 
made for their country last Friday afternoon. These two dedicated 
Capitol Police force officers never hesitated for one second when faced 
with a situation where the lives of others were at risk. They had been 
trained for such an event and without pause sprang into action and 
fulfilled their duty.
  These men are indeed heroes, in every sense of the word. But, they 
are ordinary men, with families and friends who mourn their passing. 
While we have seen in the last few days how dedicated they were to 
their jobs, we have also learned of how caring they were in their homes 
and neighborhoods. Testimony after testimony from friends and loved 
ones has shown us the high regard these men were held in their 
``civilian'' lives. We have seen photos of the prized garden ``J.J.'' 
kept and whose bounty he shared with all. We have learned that John 
Gibson kept an eye on his neighborhood and made sure all was right. For 
a police officer, constant vigilance is the way of life and both of 
these men lived that credo.
  Friday was no exception. As the gunman burst into the Capitol 
Building through the detector, Officer Chestnut immediately knew 
trouble was at hand and without hesitation took action. Unfortunately, 
his assailant had a split second on him and had his gun pulled. 
Detective Gibson heard the gunshots and knew immediately what the sound 
was. He was in the immediate vicinity of several staff members and he 
took action to put himself between them and the danger at hand. It 
ultimately took the lives of these two officers, but the lives of many 
others were spared because of the selfless acts by these two officers.
  No words can comfort their families. No words can change the events 
of last Friday. No words can make these two men come walking through 
the door. Our words can only serve as some solace to their loved ones. 
Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson will long live in our 
consciousness, and in our hearts. Time may ease the sharpness of the 
pain of their loss, but, I say to their families, they will never be 
forgotten.
  They are, now and forever, heroes of America's democracy.

                          ____________________