[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 26, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E196-E197]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO GARY NICHOLS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 26, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize an outstanding individual who has dedicated his life to serve 
and protect the citizens of the State of Colorado. Sheriff's Deputy 
Gary Nichols of the Moffat County Sheriff's Department has faithfully 
served his fellow Coloradans for years. After a long and successful 
career as one of Colorado's finest, the Advocates-Crisis Support 
Services, an organization created to handle and provide crisis support 
services to victims of crime, named Gary the ``Law Enforcement Officer 
of the Year.'' As he celebrates his recent achievement, I would like to 
take this time to highlight Gary's service to his community.
  Gary has faithfully served the Moffat County Sheriff's Department in 
various capacities throughout his career, but it was his ability to 
provide emotional support and attention to those in need that has led 
to this award. In every criminal situation, there is always someone who 
is directly affected by the crime, either a victim or bystander. Part 
of a law enforcement officer's duty is to not only protect our citizens 
from harm, but to also provide compassionate and caring assistance to 
those in need. Gary has repeatedly demonstrated

[[Page E197]]

these traits and proven he is an officer capable of compassion and 
dedication to his position as a peace officer in Moffat County 
community. Advocates-Crisis Support Services has worked diligently 
alongside officers such as Gary, and has rewarded past officers with 
similar traits for this important and dubious honor. I am extremely 
proud of not only Gary but also the crisis organization, as they both 
are our first responder units in times of hardship and crisis.
  Mr. Speaker, as a former law enforcement officer, I am well aware of 
the dangers and hazards our peace officers face today. These 
individuals work long hours, weekends, and holidays to guarantee their 
fellow citizen's rights and protection. They work tirelessly and with 
great sacrifice to their personal and family lives to ensure our 
freedoms remain strong in our homes and communities. Their service and 
dedication deserve the recognition and thanks of this body of Congress, 
and this is why I bring the name of officers like Gary Nichols to light 
today. Congratulations on this honor and I wish you all the best, Gary, 
and good luck in your future.

                          ____________________