[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 53 (Thursday, May 2, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S3839]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN MEMORY OF SENIOR CUSTOMS INSPECTOR THOMAS MICHAEL MURRAY

 Mr. BREAUX. Mr. President, as we address the importance of 
seaport security and homeland defense, we must remember the bravery and 
courage of the Federal, State and local law officers who place their 
lives on the line to protect us.
  On October 30, 2001, Senior Customs Inspector Thomas Michael Murray 
tragically gave his life while inspecting a vessel loaded with scrap 
metal in the Port of Gramercy, LA. Mr. Murray was asphyxiated while he 
was conducting an inspection of the commercial vessel, M/V Sakura I.
  Mr. Murray is survived by his wife and six children. Mr. Murray 
served with distinction in the U.S. Customs Service for 26 years. That 
is an extraordinary record of dedicated public service for which the 
people of Louisiana and our Nation owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. 
Murray and his family.
  As Mr. Murray's personal family and extended Customs family assemble 
to remember his life, his passing reminds us that we must always look 
for ways to protect the brave officers who protect us each and every 
day.

                          ____________________