[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 102 (Friday, July 20, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H4370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   PAYING RESPECT TO SERGEANT STARNES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Wolf). Under a previous order of the 
House, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Kerns) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. KERNS. Mr. Speaker, last weekend, we laid to rest an officer 
killed in the line of duty in Martinsville, Indiana. Today, I come to 
the floor of the House to pay respect to this brave officer, Sergeant 
Daniel Starnes. Sergeant Starnes was taken from us after struggling 27 
days to recover from infections caused by four gunshot wounds.
  His death has brought the Martinsville community to its knees. 
Because of the dedication and the courage of men and women in law 
enforcement, like Sergeant Starnes, all too often we take for granted 
our family's safety and the safety of our police officers. It is 
through their commitment to serve and protect us that we have peace of 
mind and a sense of security. We must also always remember that behind 
the badge is a human being. Sergeant Starnes was more than just a model 
law enforcement officer, he was a husband and a father and a friend to 
so many, and his loss weighs heavy on us all.
  Over this past weekend, thousands of law enforcement officers from 
across Indiana and our great Nation turned out to honor Sergeant 
Starnes. And while his death has shocked people in Morgan County and 
throughout Indiana, it has also brought the community together in an 
outpouring of support and love for the Starnes family and those in law 
enforcement who put their lives on the line each day.
  During the funeral procession through town, people lined the streets 
with either their head bowed, their hand over their heart, or flying an 
American flag to pay respect. During such a difficult time, it was 
uplifting to know that the community cared and demonstrated its respect 
for Sergeant Starnes and his fellow officers.
  Today, our thoughts and prayers are with the Starnes family, the 
Morgan County Sheriff's Department, and the entire Morgan County 
community for their loss. While words alone may not console Sergeant 
Starnes' family and friends, I hope that the knowledge that he is now 
with Our Father in heaven gives us some comfort and gives them comfort 
as well.
  During times like these, it is only natural to ask why, why do we 
have to lose such an outstanding person and an officer? While I cannot 
begin to answer such questions, I can only say that I find collective 
strength in my faith, and I pray that God grants the Starnes family and 
their friends both comfort and strength during this time of mourning.

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