[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 159 (Thursday, November 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2360]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO KLAMATH COUNTY COURTHOUSE

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                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 10, 1999

  Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
dedication of the new Klamath County Courthouse in the City of Klamath 
Falls, Oregon. The dedication of this building is much more than a 
celebration of an assemblage of bricks and mortar, it is a celebration 
of people who would not quit and who would not accept anything less 
than the best for their community.
  In 1993 the historic courthouse was rendered useless by two 
earthquakes less than three months apart. Within a week after the 
second quake, all of the employees were moved to a variety of venues 
and the work of the county and the justice system went forward with 
great difficulty. People literally didn't know how to determine where 
court was being held or where building permits were being issued.
  With no funds and no plans, the leaders and citizens of Klamath 
County rolled up their sleeves and got to work. In 1996 the Klamath 
County voters passed a bond issue to rebuild the courthouse and build 
the Government Center that opened in 1998. With the assistance of the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency, Klamath County was able to repay 
$1.7 million worth of bonds.
  The journey of quickly moving out of the destroyed structure to a 
variety of temporary quarters to the new courthouse was a long and 
arduous one. It goes without saying that the system kept working only 
because of the dedication of employees of the county and the justice 
system and the elected officials who would not be deterred from their 
mission.
  Today three hard working county commissioners, Steve West, Bill 
Garrard, and Al Switzer are justifiably proud of the new courthouse, 
which features many new innovations such as video arraignment and video 
hearings. The architecture of the building is remarkable in its 
aesthetic appeal. It is an impressive modern structure that remains 
loyal to its historic roots and the spirit of this resourceful western 
city. With grace and dignity, the Klamath County Courthouse declares 
that this is a community with high standards.
  As the house of justice in Klamath County, the courthouse has been 
dedicated to those who have paid a very dear price to preserve out 
system of laws and freedom, our veterans and fallen police officers.
  Proudly flying in the courthouse square are the illuminated flags of 
each branch of the military as well as the POW/MIA flag. Seeing these 
flags flying brightly in the clear Klamath County breeze is an 
inspiration.
  A special area is dedicated to the memory of fallen law enforcement 
officers who have given their lives in the line of duty.
  Mr. Speaker, my enthusiasm for what Klamath County has achieved must 
be tempered with the sobering thought that the death of these fallen 
officers is a grim reminder that the price of justice and security is 
often very dear. To honor those fallen heroes, I would like to pause 
for a moment and ask that they each be remembered in a special way.
  John E. Lambert, Oregon State Police; Ernest M. Brown, Lakeview 
Police Department; David R. Sanchez, Lake County Sheriff's Office; 
Richard C. Swan, Jr., Klamath Falls Police Department; Bret R. 
Clodfelter, Oregon State Police; Scott A. Lyons, Oregon State Police; 
and James D. Rector, Oregon State Police.
  The citizens of Klamath County will not forget the ultimate sacrifice 
offered by these fallen officers and neither should any of us in this 
revered body. It is truly fitting that the seat of justice in Klamath 
County proclaims every day that justice, freedom, and security are not 
to be taken for granted.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, I salute the leaders and residents of 
Klamath County whose efforts to make this courthouse a reality have 
borne such remarkable fruit. This building will stand for a long time 
as a testimony to the rock-solid, iron-willed resolve of one of the 
great communities of the West. I am proud of what the citizens of 
Klamath County have accomplished and proud to have the honor of serving 
them in Congress.




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