[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 62 (Thursday, May 6, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S4990]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          OFFICER STEPHAN GRAY

  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the life and 
mourn the death of Officer Stephan Gray of the Merced Police 
Department. On April 15, 2004, Stephan Gray, age 34, became the first 
officer to be killed in the line of duty in the history of the Merced 
Police Department. Stephan is mourned by his wife Michelle Gray and 
their three children: Landess, 13; Isaiah, 5; and Cameron, 3.
  Officer Stephan Gray died in the line of duty while protecting the 
community that he cherished. Officer Gray worked for the Merced Police 
Department for seven years, where he was assigned to the Gang Violence 
Suppression Unit and the Special Operations Unit. Officer Gray was well 
known for going above and beyond the call of duty, distinguishing 
himself as a dedicated and brave officer through his many heroic 
efforts and accomplishments. During his tenure with Merced Police 
Department, Officer Gray received a commendation for assisting in the 
capture of a dangerous criminal street gang member and for saving the 
life of an eleven-month-old infant who was not breathing. Officer Gray 
devoted himself to making the streets safer for the people of Merced.
  Stephan Gray was also a loving husband, father, and son. He enjoyed 
playing catch with his son, Isaiah. He loved to sing and dance and was 
an avid scuba diver and tropical fish enthusiast.
  My heart goes out to his wife, his daughter, his sons, and the 
countless others whose lives he touched. I want them to know that 
people across California share their grief as we also salute the gift 
of his life and work.
  A gallant 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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