[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 98 (Thursday, July 18, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1294]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             SHANE BENNETT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 2002

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Shane Bennett, 
a courageous Sheriff's Deputy from my district who gave his life so 
that others may live.
  In the months since September 11, we have seen countless acts of 
bravery performed by our military, law enforcement officers and 
firefighters. Shane Bennett added his name to the list of those who 
paid the ultimate price to protect the people of this country.
  Officer Bennett, a resident of Montgomery, Texas, in the 8th 
Congressional District, was a nine-year veteran of the Harris County 
Sheriff's Department. Killed June 12 in a shootout after he responded 
to a home invasion, Officer Bennett saved the lives of a Houston man, 
his stepdaughters and his 3-month-old grandson.
  Shane Bennett left behind his wife of six years, Teresa, and their 
20-month-old daughter Alyssa.
  The bravery that this young man displayed isn't the only character 
trait that describes his life. At his funeral, he was described as 
``caring, loving and compassionate.'' Teresa described him as ``one of 
the most perfect people you will ever meet.''
  The sacrifice Shane displayed was not only evident in his final 
moments on this earth but countless times during his life. When he and 
Teresa first learned they were pregnant, he quit riding motorcycles 
because he didn't want to get in an accident. He always wanted his 
little girl to have her daddy.
  When Alyssa was born, he took a month off of work to spend time with 
her and help his wife.
  Teresa also recalls that he never hesitated to help friends and 
neighbors in need, either. ``He would do anything for anybody,'' Teresa 
said. This was evident in Shane's last selfless act before he died.
  Friends and colleagues remembered Shane as ``everybody's friend'' and 
that he was proud to be a sheriff's deputy. Harris County Sheriff's 
Deputy Bobby Davison said, ``He was always there for his partners. 
Always there to back you up. He always had a smile on his face.''
  Mr. Speaker, the world would be a better place with more people like 
Shane Bennett, loving husband and father and a role model for law 
enforcement officers everywhere.

                          ____________________