[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 69 (Friday, May 9, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E916]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY'S HEROES IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 9, 2003

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to five 
outstanding members of our law enforcement and firefighter communities. 
Bradley C. Thompson, Michael Jensen, Jim Pollock, Brian Brown, and 
Edward Lee Teter will be honored tonight at the Valley Community Legal 
Foundation of the San Fernando Valley Bar Association ``Law Day 
Dinner'' honoring ``Heroes in Law Enforcement.'' Each of these fine men 
have dedicated their lives to the service of the San Fernando Valley 
and leave a legacy of heroism for all to admire.
  Deputy Bradley C. Thompson of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's 
Department distinguished himself last December when he fearlessly 
rescued a driver from a burning vehicle. Deputy Thompson observed a 
passenger van engulfed in flames on December 10 and immediately 
responded. Bradley selflessly proceeded into the fire and ultimately 
freed the driver, undoubtedly saving his life. His heroism is truly 
admirable.
  Los Angeles Police Detective Michael Jensen has excelled at his job 
since joining the force in 1972. Michael ascended to the rank of 
Detective in North Hollywood. In that role, Officer Jensen has become a 
mentor for the division and has solved many critical cases. Michael 
continues to lead his fellow officers in the Valley and has proven to 
be an exceptional asset to our law enforcement community.
  City of San Fernando Police Detective Jim Pollock began solving 
narcotics cases in 1979. He has become a vital liaison between local 
law enforcement and federal police agencies such as the FBI, ATF, and 
DEA. Detective Pollock was nationally recognized in 1996 for his 
efforts to dismantle a large interstate drug trafficking organization. 
Jim is invaluable to our communities efforts to improve the lives of 
San Fernando Valley residents.
  California Highway Patrol officer Brian Brown began assignment in the 
West Valley in 1998. Over the past five years, Officer Brown has served 
the Ventura Freeway corridor with bravery. This past January, Brian 
happened upon a serious accident involving a burning car that had left 
the roadway. Officer Brown made several attempts to free the driver 
from the perilous wreck. For his efforts, Brian has been rightly 
nominated for the Medal of Valor.
  Los Angeles City Fire Fighter Edward Lee Teter has served Pacoima 
from Fire Station 98 since 1982. His engineering skills and leadership 
have been tremendous assets to the Fire Department and the East Valley. 
Ed has also volunteered his time and efforts to help rebuild an 
orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico. Mr. Teter mentors many firefighters in 
his station and was recently recognized as ``Officer of the Year'' for 
his unselfish service.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in commending these fine individuals on 
their exemplary work for San Fernando Valley residents. Each of them 
has set a standard for leadership and dedication we can all aspire to. 
It is my privilege to join the San Fernando Valley Bar Association in 
recognizing our wealth of outstanding police and fire officers.

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