[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 81 (Friday, June 23, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1106]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1106]]
                    HONORING AGENT BLAKE L. BOTELER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 23, 2000

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize 
an exceptional man, Blake L. Boteler, of Colorado Springs, Colorado. In 
June, Mr. Boteler was recognized as one of America's finest at the 
seventh annual ``TOP COPS'' awards. The ``TOP COPS'' award recognizes 
law enforcement officers that have demonstrated outstanding acts of 
heroism and exceptional service to their community. Mr. Boteler won the 
award because of his considerable efforts to help his community in the 
war against drugs. Mr. Boteler personifies the goals that this award 
stand for and we all can learn from the example he has set.
  Mr. Boteler is an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and 
Firearms who was recognized for the ``Top Cop'' award because of the 
heroism he showed in fighting the flow of narcotics and weapons in to 
this country by a well known outlaw motorcycle gang. Using his tactical 
skills, he successfully infiltrated the gang and helped apprehend 
several suspects, effectively ending the gang's reign. His perseverance 
eventually paid off and as his efforts were instrumental in helping the 
State of Colorado serve 26 warrants and prosecute 40 defendants. The 
gang was eventually disbanded and Agent Boteler seized over 225 weapons 
and other paraphernalia.
  Agent Boteler had this to say when he learned that he was a recipient 
of this award: `` I was honored to have this investigation considered 
so highly, especially considering the fact of all the hard work and 
sacrifices made on a daily basis by members of this nation's law 
enforcement community that are equally deserving of this award.'' 
Because of the dedication of this outstanding American, I think it is 
all together fitting that this distinguished body pay tribute to him.
  It is obvious why Mr. Boteler was chosen as the recipient of the 
``TOP COPS'' award. I think that we all owe him a debt of gratitude for 
his service to the state. Due to Mr. Boteler's dedication, it is clear 
that Colorado is a better place.

                          ____________________