[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 6, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SAN ANTONIO MOURNS THE LOSS OF POLICE OFFICER JOHN ANTHONY RIOJAS

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                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 6, 2001

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, today the San Antonio community mourns 
the loss of one of its young police officers, John Anthony Riojas. As 
his community grieves this week, not only should this officer's story 
be remembered, but so should the story of every law enforcement officer 
who takes risks daily to protect us.
  This past Friday, Officer Fiojas, a member of the Street Crimes 
Arrest Team unit and eleven-year veteran of the San Antonio Police 
force, was mortally shot while on duty. He was one of nine officers 
participating in an operation to stop a rash of property crimes 
plaguing an apartment complex. At the time of his fatal injury he was 
attempting to apprehend an individual on foot. He overtook the suspect, 
who reportedly shot the young officer with his own weapon.
  Sadly, John Riojas, known to his friends as ``Rocky,'' joins 42 other 
San Antonio police officers killed in the line of duty and is the 
fourth death of an officer in the past 45 days. We in this great House 
of Representatives join his family, fellow officers and many friends in 
mouming this tragic loss.
  This 37-year old father of two was seen as a man who was tying to 
make the community a better place by those who worked with him. Officer 
Riojas graduated in 1982 from St. Gerard's Catholic High School in San 
Antonio. A star football player, his friends recall Riojas' excitement 
upon entering the police force because he wanted to make a difference. 
And he has.
  Our condolences go out to his widow, two young children, and his 
entire family. His children, a two-year old daughter and a son of only 
eight weeks, have lost their father. Hopefully, they will always know 
his devotion and sacrifice on behalf of his community. All too often, 
we forget that our sense of safety is rooted in the work of law 
enforcement officers like John Riojas. His service and devotion to his 
family, community, and country exemplify the best in our society. May 
his children and family always see the work he did in their community 
and be proud of the example he set.

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