[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1939]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO BRAD ANDERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES L. OBERSTAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 17, 2002

  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an American 
hero. Deputy Brad Anderson, a member of the St. Louis County Sheriff's 
Department, died on Labor Day, September 2, 2002, while answering a 
call in rural northeastern Minnesota. Deputy Anderson, of Aurora, 
Minnesota, was tragically killed in the line of duty when his squad car 
collided with another vehicle. He leaves behind his wife Gale and two 
sons, Kyle and Conrad.
  Deputy Anderson's co-workers described their fallen colleague as 
``tenacious'' and ``extremely dedicated.'' If you were the victim of a 
crime, Deputy Anderson was the type of law enforcement professional 
that you wanted to have working on your case. He was thorough and never 
quit on any of his investigations, and he came to work every day with 
the belief that he was protecting and serving the public.
  Deputy Anderson shared a deep concern for the children of the 
community, and he dedicated himself to keeping them safe. Many a young 
person is alive today because Deputy Anderson took the time and made 
the effort to take action when he saw that they were in trouble and 
needed guidance. I know that there are many parents who are grateful 
for his dedicated and timely actions.
  In addition to his duties as a deputy sheriff, Brad Anderson taught 
firearms safety courses to students of all ages. He was also a member 
of the Iron Range Disaster Committee and spent many dedicated hours 
working with fire departments, ambulance services and public safety 
organizations. Those whom he worked with always appreciated his 
experience and skills. His knowledge in handling large-scale emergency 
situations will be greatly missed.
  Deputy Anderson was dedicated to his country and its armed services. 
He was extremely proud of his service in the U.S. Air Force and later 
the U.S. Air Force Reserve. He was honored to be an American and an 
American Veteran.
  Northeastern Minnesota has indeed lost a true professional with the 
death of Deputy Sheriff Brad Anderson. Our region will profoundly miss 
this dedicated hero.

                          ____________________