[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 19, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E910]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING TROOPER FIRST CLASS ANTHONY JONES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 19, 2004

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, today, I pay special tribute to Maryland 
State Trooper Anthony Jones who was killed last week while on duty 
assisting another trooper. Trooper First Class (Tfc.) Jones every day 
exemplified the service and sacrifice that we honor in our law 
enforcement officers. As the recipient of awards for his valor and 
bravery, and as the anticipated recipient of the ``Top Cop'' award from 
the College Park Barracks this month, Trooper Jones demonstrated a 
commitment to public service and a sincere dedication to protecting and 
serving our community.
  Tfc. Jones joined the state police after retiring from the U.S. Air 
Force in 1998. He spent his entire police career working as a road 
patrol trooper. He was on patrol when he stopped shortly after 2 a.m. 
to assist another trooper working at the scene of a single-vehicle 
crash in Prince George's County. Investigators said Jones crossed the 
four-lane highway on foot to remove a tire that was part of the 
accident debris and was making his way back across the road--using a 
flashlight to warn oncoming traffic--when he was struck and killed.
  Every day, law enforcement officials like Trooper Jones risk their 
lives in dangerous situations on our highways and roads to protect the 
citizens who travel along our roadways. Last week we joined together in 
commemorating Trooper Jones and all of the law enforcement officers 
whose brave deeds led them to make the ultimate sacrifice, or left them 
disabled.
  Trooper Jones is the 39th Maryland trooper to die in the line of 
duty, and we say a special prayer for his family, friends, and fellow 
officers of the Maryland State Police. The Joneses must know that a 
grateful nation mourns their loss and shares their pain.
  We honor Tfc. Jones for his service to our country and to his 
community. I am confident that he will long be remembered with the 
utmost gratitude and respect. He willingly answered the call to duty, 
sacrificing his own safety for the safety and security of his 
community. We shall never forget that sacrifice and will bear witness 
to future generations the honor and courage Tfc. Jones exhibited as he 
served the State of Maryland.
  Although we don't often thank them for it, officers like Trooper 
Jones help protect our most cherished rights as laid out by Thomas 
Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence: the right to life, 
liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We owe these fine and hard 
working people a great deal for their contribution to our freedom and 
security.
  The words of John F. Kennedy strike a chord this week, ``a nation 
reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it 
honors, the men it remembers.'' As these valiant men and women died 
because they made it their duty to protect and serve, it is our duty to 
honor and remember them for their selfless contribution to our 
communities.




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