[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 143 (Sunday, October 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2078-E2079]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN MEMORY OF VENTURA AND LOS ANGELES COUNTY'S FALLEN OFFICERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Saturday, October 10, 1998

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to seven law 
enforcement officers

[[Page E2079]]

who have fallen in the line of duty over the past twenty-two months.
  Police officers undertake a solemn oath to protect and serve their 
fellow citizens and, if necessary, sacrifice their lives to fulfill 
this duty. The following seven brave individuals--Officer Charles 
Andrew Lazzaretto, Officer Van Derrick Johnson, Deputy Sheriff Shayne 
Daniel York, Deputy Sheriff Michael Lee Hoenig, Police Officer Steven 
Gerald Gajda, Officer Filbert Cuesta, and Ventura County Senior Deputy 
Lisa D. Whitney--have paid the ultimate price for the preservation of 
public safety and civility in the cities of my district.
  Selflessly, they dedicated their lives to protecting others and 
serving our communities. Like their colleagues across the country, they 
carried out their duties each day with courage and honor. Without 
trepidation, they confronted the dangers inherent in their line of work 
and ultimately gave their lives in the service of our community. To 
these brave souls we extend our gratitude. To their families, we extend 
our most heartfelt sympathies and appreciation. Their memories will 
linger in our hearts. Their sacrifices have not been in vain.
  Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in remembering 
these seven members of the law enforcement community who, like so many 
others before them, have given their lives to protect others, doing so 
with unrivaled courage, valor, and honor.

                          ____________________