[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 48 (Wednesday, April 7, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S3915]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RETIREMENT OF OFFICER JOHNNY WILSON FROM THE U.S. CAPITOL POLICE

  Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
distinguished service of Officer Johnny Lee Wilson of the U.S. Capitol 
Police. Officer Wilson has been posted at the Senate Select Committee 
on Intelligence for the past 14 years. Regrettably, on April 30, 2004, 
Officer Wilson will retire from the Capitol Police after more than 27 
years of dedicated service.
  Officer Wilson was born in Shelby, NC, on November 5, 1945. Following 
a move to Washington, DC, he finished high school. He then served in 
the Armed Forces, where he saw combat in an Army infantry unit in 
Vietnam in the late 1960s. At the conclusion of his tour, he was 
decorated for outstanding performance.
  Officer Wilson then returned to Washington, DC, to pursue his college 
degree. In 1975, he graduated from Washington, DC's Howard University 
with a bachelor of science degree.
  In April 1977, Officer Wilson began his service with the U.S. Capitol 
Police. For nearly three decades, he has dedicated himself to 
protecting the lives of visitors, staff, and Members as they go about 
their daily business here on Capitol Hill. It is a job which has become 
increasingly stressful since the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Despite the 
added threats, Officer Wilson has performed his duties superbly. His 
patience, discipline, and attention to detail have made him an asset to 
the Capitol Police and to the Intelligence Committee.
  Officer Wilson's tireless dedication to the U.S. Capitol Police 
should serve as an inspiration to everyone in law enforcement. He is a 
tremendous officer and a great friend to many in the U.S. Senate. He 
will be truly missed as he enjoys his well-earned retirement.
  Congratulations Officer Wilson, you are a fine public servant and a 
man of integrity and character. I extend my best wishes to your wife 
Weddie and your children--Gina and John-Paul. Good luck to you in 
retirement and thanks again for your fine service.
  Mr. ROCKEFELLER, I add my voice to the comments of my colleague, 
Senator Roberts, concerning the contributions and outstanding 
performance of Officer Johnny Wilson from the United States Capitol 
Police. Officer Wilson is a 27-year veteran of the Capitol Police who 
is scheduled to retire in a few days. He has spent the past 14 years 
posted outside the offices of the Senate Intelligence Committee. During 
that time, we came to think of Johnny as part of our staff and part of 
our family. It will be both odd and disappointing not seeing him 
outside our door every morning.
  Officer Wilson, a Vietnam veteran, joined the Capitol Police on April 
4, 1977, and has dedicated his career to protecting the lives of 
Members of Congress, their staffs and the thousands of tourists who 
visit Capitol Hill each year. He is a fine example of the 
professionalism, dedication and work ethic of the men and women of the 
United States Capitol Police.
  But what sets Johnny apart is the way in which he carries out his 
duties. He is outgoing and upbeat, with a hello and a kind word for 
anyone who crosses his path. Everyone that passes through the second 
floor corridor outside the Intelligence Committee Hart Building offices 
knows Johnny and he knows them--if he doesn't he makes them think he 
does. At the same time he is unflappable when confronting tense 
situations and approaches his responsibilities with complete 
seriousness.
  In an era of technological advancements in biometrics and other 
enhanced security identification methods, there is absolutely no 
substitute for a professional law enforcement officer on the first line 
of defense. With Officer Wilson on the job, we all knew we were well 
protected.
  Officer Wilson's dedication to the United States Capitol Police has 
been proven on many occasions and he has been an excellent example of 
someone raising the bar of excellence for his peers. He has been a 
great friend to many in the United States Senate and he truly will be 
missed. I congratulate this fine public servant, a man of integrity and 
character, and I wish him well in his impending retirement.

                          ____________________