[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 139 (Thursday, October 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2104]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO ERIC ANDREW THACH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 14, 1999

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
pay tribute to Deputy Sheriff Eric Andrew Thach who was killed in the 
line of duty last week in Riverside, CA. Deputy Thach was born on March 
19, 1965, in Van Nuys, CA. He was hired by the Riverside County 
Sheriff's Department on September 30, 1996. He served as a Deputy 
Sheriff assigned to Corrections, and then transferred to a field patrol 
assignment serving from the Jurupa Sheriff's Station.
  On Friday, October 8, 1999, Deputy Thach, while investigating an in-
home burglary, was shot and killed. Although his time in our community 
was short, Deputy Thach was known as an exemplary officer who lived his 
life with strength and courage. Our community is deeply saddened that 
he was taken from us so soon. He will live on in our memory. My 
thoughts and prayers go out to his widow, Evelyn; his daughter, Shana; 
and his colleagues, who mourn his loss.
  Mr. Speaker, law enforcement officers put their lives at risk every 
day to ensure the safety of our citizens. Deputy Thach paid the 
ultimate price for our safety with his very life. I am deeply honored 
to recognize Deputy Thach for his tremendous service and sacrifice for 
the citizens of Riverside County. His brave service to our community 
will not be forgotten.

                          ____________________