[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 27 (Thursday, February 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF DAVID ALAN POWELL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 2003

  Ms. LINDA SANCHEZ of California. On November 30, 2002 David Alan 
Powell, a true hero and proud father was taken from us in the line-of-
duty.
  That night, an Artesia residence was fired on by armed gang members. 
A fleeing suspect forced his way into an occupied home. Deputy David 
Powell, doing one of the things he loved to do, risked his life to save 
the life of another. Within a matter of seconds, Deputy David Powell 
was taken from us. The lives, hopes and dreams of his family were 
changed forever.
  David's heart was filled with love and his whole purpose in life was 
to make a difference. David entered the sheriffs academy, Class 221, on 
January 19, 1984. After graduating from the academy he was assigned to 
custody for three years where he worked both Men's Central Jail and 
Pitchess Detention Center. In 1987, he was assigned to Firestone 
Station. In 1988, he transferred to Lakewood Station, and he earned the 
reputation of being dedicated and hard working. In the communities 
where David worked, everyone knew him. Children would wave to him and 
call his name. He loved children and he loved helping people.
  In November 2000, David was presented the Valor Award by the City of 
Lakewood for saving the life of an elderly male who was attempting 
suicide. In 2002, he was one of several law enforcement officers who 
tried to save the lives of three individuals that had crashed their car 
following a pursuit. As a result of the crash, the car erupted into 
flames and for several long minutes, David fought back flames as he and 
others tried desperately to remove the critically injured passengers 
from the car. His heroic efforts resulted in his nomination for another 
valor award. Unfortunately, he won't be here to receive it.
  David was a Christian and attended the Lawndale Christian Church his 
entire life. His love for his family and faith were evident everywhere. 
David applied his values to all that he did, and he believed in God's 
plan for him. David and his wife met at church and married in January 
1990. Although Emma had three children from a previous marriage, David 
loved and cared for them as though he was their father. As their 
daughter Alicia shared, ``He was my Daddy . . . the only dad I knew. He 
was the happiest man. He always had a smile on his face.''
  He also was a loyal man who loved his job. Just this past 
Thanksgiving, David shared with his family that with his seniority, he 
could easily ask to leave patrol and be assigned to a desk. However, he 
loved his car, Unit 134T1, so much so, he couldn't bear the thought of 
transferring inside and leaving the patrol car, and the job that 
brought him so much fulfillment and satisfaction in helping others.
  Shortly after leaving the hospital on the day of her father's death, 
seven-year-old Brianna Powell wrote a note to her dad: ``I love you 
dad. I know you will always be in my heart. I wish you were still down 
here with all my family. I will never forget you. I wish you were still 
alive.''
  I commend David Powell for his valor and service to his country.
  Born: May 27, 1960.
  Entered Department: January 18, 1994.
  Killed in the Line of Duty: November 30, 2002.