[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 25 (Thursday, February 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO AUBURN, MA POLICE OFFICERS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 11, 1999

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize two brave 
members of the Auburn, MA Police Department. On a late summer day last 
September, Officer George Campbell and Officer John Kelleher faced a 
situation that every officer dreads.
  Officer Kelleher was on duty when he observed a vehicle which had 
earlier been reported as being operated by a suspect--likely armed--in 
a murder case. Officer Kelleher followed this vehicle into a parking 
lot and requested back-up. Officer Campbell was one of the officers who 
arrived on the scene to assist. As they approached the vehicle, they 
observed the driver reaching into the back seat. As the officers 
arrived at the car, they witnessed the driver with his hands in a 
shopping bag. Inside that bag was a gun.
  Despite repeated warnings to drop the weapon, the driver continued to 
turn the gun toward the two officers, forcing Officer Campbell to fire 
one shot, fatally wounding this individual.
  Mr. Speaker, no police officer wants to use his weapon. Every officer 
would prefer to settle disputes without bloodshed. But there are times 
when the law enforcement officials who protect our communities are 
forced to act. This was one of those times. Luckily, these two officers 
were well-trained, well-equipped and well-protected. We should be 
thankful that the incident ended without further injury to police 
personnel or innocent bystanders.
  In light of their actions, Officer Campbell received the Auburn 
Police Department Meritorious Service Medal, and officer Kelleher 
received the Auburn Police Department Exceptional Duty Medal.
  On behalf of the citizens of Auburn, I would like to recognize 
Officer Campbell and Officer Kelleher for their service to our 
community. I know the rest of this House joins me in that recognition.

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