[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 51 (Wednesday, April 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER MEDAL OF VALOR ACT OF 1999

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                               speech of

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 13, 1999

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 46, the 
``Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act.'' Our nation's 
firefighters, enforcement officers, and other emergency services 
personnel put themselves at risk every day to assure the safety of the 
general public. Just as our military personnel are recognized for 
extraordinary acts of valor in the effort to preserve peace abroad, so 
should our domestic safety officers be recognized for their bravery 
above and beyond the call of duty.
  Last year, Members of Congress witnessed an extraordinary act of 
valor as Capitol Hill police officers gave their lives defending the 
Halls of Congress from a gunman intent on shooting his way into 
Congress. It was a potent reminder of the risks every public safety 
officer face each and every day. I never will forget that sacrifice and 
by supporting this legislation I hope to draw more attention to 
sacrifices of the hundreds of thousands of public safety officers that 
serve our country.
  In Delaware, I am particularly proud of the work of our firefighters 
because most of them serve the state voluntarily. Likewise, Delaware's 
police officers often find themselves squarely in the sights of a 
criminal's handgun, which prompted me to support legislation to provide 
all of Delaware's police force with bulletproof vests.
  Again, I urge every Member to come together and support the ``Public 
Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act.'' It symbolizes honor and 
recognition that is long past due.

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