[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 20, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S4155]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     OFFICER ISAAC ANTHONY ESPINOZA

  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I have just returned from San Francisco, a 
city whose heart has been broken by the tragic shooting death of a 
brave young police officer. On April 10, Isaac Espinoza was killed in 
the line of duty at the age of 29.
  Officer Espinoza died doing the duty he loved: protecting the 
community from gang violence. He had volunteered to work as a plain 
clothes officer in the gang suppression unit of Bayview Police Station, 
where he served with distinction for 7 of his 8 years on the San 
Francisco police force.
  Officer Espinoza was well known and liked in the Bayview 
neighborhood. Residents trusted him, and they appreciated his efforts 
to defuse violence and get guns off the streets. His outstanding work 
was recognized by the Police Department, which honored him with a 
Silver Medal of Valor and a Purple Heart as well as a Police Commission 
commendation.
  Isaac Espinoza was also a loving husband, father, and son. My heart 
goes out to his wife, daughter, and family. I want them to know that 
the entire community shares their grief. All San Francisco feels the 
loss of Isaac's death, just as we all appreciate the gift of his life 
and work.
  A gallant police officer is gone, but he will not be forgotten. We 
can and must carry on his work by giving community police officers and 
other first responders the resources they need to bring peace and 
safety to our Nation's streets and neighborhoods.

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