[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 44 (Thursday, March 29, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E496-E497]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO OFFICER TERRY FOSTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2001

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss 
of a dedicated police officer, loving husband, father and hero to our 
community. Only three weeks away from retirement with the Independence, 
Missouri Police Department, Police Officer Terry Foster gave his life 
on March 18 while in the line of duty.
  Officer Foster was a life long resident of the Greater Kansas City 
Area and a 32 year veteran of the Independence Police Department. 
Officer Foster began his service to the Department in 1968, and worked 
his way up through the ranks to become a detective. Ten years ago he 
decided he would return to patrol duty, where he felt the community 
needed him the most. Terry Foster is best remembered by his peers and a 
people person who always took time to listen. His fellow officers 
describe him as a genuinely nice guy whose strong work ethic and 
friendly smile made him a mentor to many of the department's younger 
officers. ``He was a man that did his job well,'' said Independence 
Detective Carl Perry, ``He's going to be sorely missed.''
  Terry Foster is the fifth Independence police officer and the first 
since 1966 to lose his life in the line of duty. This past Thursday, 
March 22, family, friends, and police officers from across the nation 
and my community came together to recognize the valor and courage of 
Officer Terry Foster, and lay his body to rest. ``The hundreds of 
officers who attended the funeral did so out of respect for a man who 
honored their profession,'' said Sidney Whitfield of the Jackson County 
Sheriff's Department. For the first time in 25 years, the Independence 
Police Department posthumously awarded Officer Terry Foster the 
department's medal of valor, which is the highest honor the department 
can bestow upon an officer.
  In the days following this tragic event, our community and the 
national law enforcement community joined together to mourn the loss of 
this outstanding man. Officer Terry Foster sacrificed his life for the 
greater good. Independence Mayor Ron Stewart, a former Independence 
police officer, described Terry Foster as an officer on the front lines 
of public service. ``As police officers we are charged with providing 
that first line of defense. He laid his life on the line for his fellow 
man,'' said Mayor Stewart. The commitment of Officer Foster leaves a 
lasting legacy that will further our genuine appreciation and deep 
gratitude to those who have dedicated their lives to protect and serve. 
Terry Foster's service to our community will never be forgotten. He 
made a difference in our lives. May we learn from his tragic death that 
every day police officers and firefighters risk their lives, and their 
families may sacrifice a loved one for the safety of all of us. Mr. 
Speaker, I ask the House to join me

[[Page E497]]

in saluting this heroic man and extending our condolences and gratitude 
to his wife Debbie, son, Christopher, daughter, Lori, step-son, Bryan, 
father, Albert, his beloved dog, Cassie Earlene, and the Independence 
Police Department.

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