[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 122 (Friday, October 1, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1775]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF OFFICER JAMES L. DAVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JULIA CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 30, 2004

  Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and service of Butler University Officer James L. Davis of 
Indianapolis, Indiana, who was tragically shot and killed in the line 
of duty on September 24th.
  On the morning of Friday, September 24th, Officer Davis responded to 
reports of a suspicious person at the Hinkle Fieldhouse on Butler 
University campus. While questioning the subject, he was shot and 
fatally wounded, becoming the first ever Butler University police 
officer killed in the line of duty. He was 31.
  Known as J.J. to his family, James L. Davis graduated from Indiana 
University in 1995 with degrees in criminal justice and Afro-American 
studies. He served our country proudly as a military policeman with the 
United States Army.
  Throughout his distinguished record of public service, James Davis 
displayed an unwavering commitment to the youth of Indianapolis. In 
2001, James supervised 96 Juvenile offenders for the Indiana Department 
of Correction as a youth service officer. From January 2001 to August 
2002, he served as a drill instructor for troubled youth with Project 
Impact, a program that provides counseling, job training, school drop-
out prevention, tutoring and mentoring to at-risk first- and second-
time youth offenders. After serving as a corporate security officer for 
Conseco, Inc., James Davis joined the Butler University police force in 
January of 2003.
  During his full-time service on the police force, James continued his 
education in the pursuit of justice. At the time of his death he was 
only two months from completing his master's degree, an important step 
on the way to fulfilling his career goal of becoming a civil rights 
lawyer. James had also planned to create a charity honoring his late 
mother.
  The admiration of his colleagues speaks volumes to the strength of 
his character. To the Chief of the Butler Police, James was ``probably 
one of the most genuine people I've ever known.'' To his Project Impact 
supervisor, he was ``galactic in regards to his love for humanity.'' In 
my community, the outpouring of sympathy and grief for this remarkable 
man has been extraordinary. In the few days since his passing, hundreds 
have written cards and e-mails to the department honoring our departed 
neighbor and friend.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending my deepest 
condolences to his wife Valeeda, his three beautiful children, Josiah, 
8, Jarren, 3, and Jaedyn, 2, his sister Mylandar Davis, and his loving 
family and friends.
  James L. Davis will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched. 
The citizens of Indianapolis extend our most sincere appreciation for 
his personal sacrifice and commitment to public service.

                          ____________________