[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 4, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF OFFICER PETER LAVERY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 4, 2005

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life and service of Officer Peter Lavery of the Newington Police 
Department in Connecticut, who was tragically shot and killed in the 
line of duty on December 30, 2004, as he responded to an emergency 
call.
  It was a terrible day for the people of Connecticut as one of our 
finest public servants was cut down in the prime of his life. Officer 
Lavery was a dedicated 17-year veteran of the Newington Police 
Department, and had served his Nation proudly as a member of the 
Connecticut National Guard. He was known for his ``big golden heart'' 
and sense of humor, and so many of my constituents will never forget 
the important role he played in their lives or in the communities he 
served. He leaves behind his wife, Pamela, and two children, Raymond 
and Samantha, to whom our hearts go out during this difficult time.
  We struggle to understand why such a horrific act of violence was 
visited upon such a good and decent man who loved his family and served 
his community. In the end, there are no answers.
  Today, as thousands of his neighbors and fellow officers gather in 
Newington to honor the life and service of Officer Lavery, we must 
remind ourselves of the thousands of brave, dedicated men and women 
that put their lives in danger each day to protect us and our families. 
Officer Lavery made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of this cause. 
He will not be forgotten.
  May God bless him, his family and the United States of America.

                          ____________________