[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E456-E457]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 SAN ANTONIO MOURNS ITS FALLEN OFFICER

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                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 29, 2000

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, today, in San Antonio, family, friends 
and members of the community, join in mourning the loss of Oscar Perez, 
a young San Antonio Police Officer cut down last week in the line of 
duty. As he is buried today, we all must take a moment to recount not 
only his story, but the story of every other law enforcement officer 
who daily risks life and limb to protect us.
  Only 31 years old, Officer Perez expected last Friday, March 24, 
2000, to be like any other, a day of hard work ending with a return 
home to his pregnant wife and two young children, ages 5 and sixteen 
months. Instead, as he was serving a warrant on a drug fugitive, he was 
mortally wounded by gun fire. In one instant, his 6\1/2\ year career as 
a San Antonio police officer came to a tragic and abrupt end.
  Law enforcement officers leave the comfort and security of their 
homes each day to take on their duty to serve and protect. While we 
have worked hard to reduce crime rates, law officers continue to face 
real and substantial danger. As we expect them to be on their job day-
in and day-out, we run the risk of taking their presence for granted. 
But Officer Perez, like the 41 others in the history of the San Antonio 
Police Department, serves as a reminder of the unique and fatal risks 
they all too often must bear.
  Our hearts go out to his widow, two children, unborn child and other 
family members. Words cannot express the grief and loss they must feel. 
Our hope is that his children will grow up with a deep-rooted 
appreciation of their father's devotion and sacrifice. He lived to help 
others. His service to his family, community and country set an example 
his children can follow with pride.

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