[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 176 (Tuesday, December 9, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2502]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO VIRGINIA LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 8, 2003

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Virginia law enforcement officers, and those throughout the nation, who 
have lost their lives this year in service to their communities. Every 
day, these men and women display their courage, commitment and service 
to their fellow man. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial 
recently held a wreath laying ceremony here in Washington, DC to honor 
these eight brave officers who gave their lives to protect us, the 
citizens of Virginia, and I would like to take a moment to recognize, 
remember and honor these individuals.
  On January 12, Henrico County Police Officer Andre Booker was 
attempting to use his patrol vehicle to stop a person suspected of 
firing gunshots in a shopping center when his car crashed through a 
fence and landed in an icy pond. Six other officers at the scene were 
unsuccessful in freeing Officer Booker from his vehicle. He was 26 
years old.
  On January 16, 39-year-old Norfolk Police Officer Sheila Herring was 
killed after responding to reports of gunfire inside a bar. The 
suspects opened fire on the responding officers, fatally wounding 
Officer Herring. She worked with Norfolk Police Department for 11 
months and had recently moved from Detroit, Michigan, where she spent 
10 years as a law enforcement officer.
  On January 29, Virginia State Trooper Michael Todd Blanton was killed 
by a drunk driver he had pulled over on Interstate 64. As Trooper 
Blanton attempted to reach into the car, the driver sped off, dragging 
Trooper Blanton until the car crashed, pinning him under the vehicle. 
Trooper Blanton is survived by his wife and 6-year-old son.
  On May 9, 20-year law enforcement veteran Scott Allen Hylton of the 
Christiansburg Police Department was shot and killed after responding 
to a report of a hold up at a convenience store. Officer Hylton was 
shot and killed as he exited his cruiser at the scene. Also a member of 
the Army National Guard, Officer Hylton was the father of four.
  On May 28, Officer Ryan Cappellety of the Chesterfield County Police 
Department, a recent graduate from the police academy, was shot and 
killed when he and other officers responded to reports of gunshots. 
Upon arrival, a suspect standing on his front lawn with a gun opened 
fire on the officers, fatally wounding Officer Cappellety. He was 23 
years old.
  On June 23, Officer Rodney Pocceschi of the Virginia Beach Police 
Department was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Dam Neck Road 
in Virginia Beach. Officer Pocceschi served the Virginia Beach Police 
Department for 4 years and is survived by his wife and young son.

  On July 30, Richmond Police Officer Douglas E. Wendel was shot and 
killed by a suspected drug dealer. Officer Wendel had been with the 
Richmond Police Department for 5 years. He was a 41-year-old father of 
three.
  On August 26, Sergeant Rodney Davis of the Greene County Sheriff's 
Department was shot and killed while serving an arrest warrant on a 
narcotics suspect near Standardsville, VA. As Sergeant Davis and other 
officers searched the house, the suspect opened fire and fatally 
wounded Sergeant Davis. Davis worked with the Greene County Sheriff's 
Office for 2\1/2\ years but had been in law enforcement since he was 19 
years old. The 30-year-old left behind an expectant wife and two young 
children.
  Mr. Speaker, the eight officers killed in the line of duty this year 
matches the highest total of law enforcement officer fatalities in the 
Commonwealth's history. Nationwide, there have been 114 law enforcement 
officers killed this year, a grim reminder of the vital and dangerous 
role these officers play in our national well-being. We are all 
eternally grateful for the service and sacrifice of these true American 
heroes.

                          ____________________