[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 110 (Wednesday, September 15, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF OFFICER TIMOTHY JACOB LAIRD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JULIA CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2004

  Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and service of Officer Timothy Jacob Laird of Indianapolis, Indiana, 
who was tragically shot and killed on August 18, 2004 during an act of 
bravery in the line of duty.
  Known as Jake to his friends, Timothy Laird was born on September 17, 
1972 in Logansport, Indiana. At the age of 4, Jake already knew he 
wanted to be a police officer. He graduated from Warren Central High 
School in 1991 and enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he spent 8 years 
in service to his country. In 2000, he joined the Indianapolis Police 
Department in the 93rd Recruit Class, fulfilling his lifelong dream.
  Jake Laird was a member of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #86. He 
took part in the investigation of more than 600 incidents during his 4 
years of service with the Indianapolis Police Department, earning two 
commendations.
  On August 18th, Officer Laird responded to reports of a man shooting 
a machine gun in a southside neighborhood of Indianapolis. The 
suspect's indiscriminate shooting injured four officers, who were 
treated in area hospitals. Officer Laird was fatally wounded, becoming 
the 56th officer to die in the line of duty in the 150-year history of 
the Indianapolis Police Department. He was 31.
  Officer Laird's bravery and sacrifice for the people of Indianapolis 
has touched the lives of his community. On August 23rd, hundreds of 
citizens, many of whom had never met Timothy Laird, lined up along the 
20-mile funeral route in silent tribute. Over 1,000 police cars from 
all over Indiana, as well as Kentucky, Ohio, and Illinois, took part in 
the procession honoring his service. Police Chief Jerry Barker awarded 
him the Indianapolis Police Department's Medal of Honor posthumously, 
only the fourth time it had been given in 150 years.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in extending my deepest condolences to 
his wife Jennifer and their beloved 7-year-old daughter Kaylee; his 
parents Deborah and Michael Laird and Timothy and Barb Althouse; his 
brothers Gaben Laird, Christopher Laird, Timothy Althouse, and Dan and 
Matt Wilhelm; his sisters Sarah Althouse and Heather Laird; and his 
grandparents Mrs. Howard Dodson and Donald and Rosemary McEldowney.
  A United States veteran, beloved father, husband and family member, 
Jake Laird will be deeply missed. His strength and service to his 
country and community will be remembered always by all whom he inspired 
and loved.
  The citizens of Indianapolis extend our heartfelt gratitude for his 
sacrifice and dedication to public service.

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