[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 133 (Friday, October 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1811]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE SERVICE OF POLICE OFFICER DAVID ROBERTS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 4, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, to serve the public as an officer of the 
law is truly a noble deed worthy of the praise from this body. These 
brave souls are the forgotten heroes of the day despite their 
importance to our country and to the welfare of the public. David 
Roberts, an outstanding retired police officer who served the Denver 
Police Department, considered being a police officer one of the 
greatest and most rewarding aspects of his life. The Denver chapter of 
the International Footprint Association has offered their praise by 
honoring him at the second annual Forgotten Officer Recognition Dinner. 
I too, would like to raise the service of this officer before this 
House and recognize his efforts to the service of the people of Denver, 
Colorado.
  Although David is no longer an active officer, his heart is still 
captivated with a selfless devotion to others. In 1985, he experienced 
a gunshot wound to his mouth that ended his career. David had been with 
the department for only six years when one incident ended his career. 
The man who shot Officer Roberts was subsequently sentenced to 80 years 
in prison and David has been paralyzed on his left side since. This 
potential setback, though, has not fazed David and he is still involved 
with training officers by teaching them at police academies. He 
attempts to offer a glimpse of what to do should something of such 
traumatic magnitude strike them in the line of duty. But his teachings 
pertain to life more than just police duty.
  Mr. Speaker, David Roberts gave a portion of himself to protecting 
the citizens of Denver and his service will not be forgotten. While the 
recognition he has received by the International Footprint Association 
is a piece of our appreciation, his admiration extends much further 
than an award. He is not a forgotten hero and will be considered a 
guardian to our security forever. Mr. Speaker, I would like to 
acknowledge the commendable and valiant service of David Roberts and 
extend to him my warmest regards and best wishes in the many years to 
come.

                          ____________________