[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 103 (Thursday, July 25, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1388]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING OFFICERS ROBERT ETTER AND STEPHANIE MARKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK GREEN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 2002

  Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I am profoundly dismayed today 
to share a piece of dreadful news from my district with this House and 
with our entire nation.
  On Monday, in an act of terrifying evil, a man deliberately crashed 
his truck into a police squad car in the Town of Hobart, Wisconsin. The 
two police officers in the car, Robert Etter and Stephanie Markins, 
were killed.
  Officer Etter, who was known by some in the community as ``Officer 
Bob,'' served in law enforcement for three decades. He retired a few 
years ago but soon realized how hard it was to leave behind 30 years of 
serving and protecting his neighbors--so he returned, bringing his 
immense experience and skills back to the local law enforcement 
community. In fact, he was sharing some of that experience with a new 
officer when their car was hit on July 22. He leaves behind a wife, 
four daughters, two grandchildren and a community grateful for having 
had the opportunity to share life with him.
  Officer Markins was that new officer learning from Officer Etter. She 
had served on the force for just a short time. Described by one of her 
trainers as ``very much a gogetter'' who wanted to ``get out and deal 
with people,'' Officer Markins' promise as a law enforcement officer 
was tragically cut short Monday. She was a fiance, a daughter, a 
sister, a friend, a neighbor and a protector who was willing to give 
everything for the security of others. She will be missed.
  Mr. Speaker, this heartbreaking and senseless case tragically 
demonstrates that law enforcement is a dangerous job whether it's done 
in New York City or Hobart, Wisconsin. And it shows that the people who 
choose it as their profession are truly extraordinary in their 
character, their courage, and their dedication to their fellow 
citizens.
  I offer today these few brief remarks to honor the memories of 
Officers Etter and Markins, to ensure that they are remembered in the 
annals of our nation's history, to recognize these families' incredible 
loss, and to remind all of us of the sacrifices made every day by law 
enforcement officers and their loved ones.

                          ____________________