[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 62 (Thursday, May 12, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E952]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICER JAMES GOODMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 12, 2005

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I pay tribute 
today to the life of California Highway Patrol Officer James Goodman, 
who was killed in the line of duty on June 3, 2004. Officer Goodman was 
a man of outstanding character and spirit who selflessly served the 
state of California.
  Officer Goodman joined the California Highway Patrol in 1984. In 1989 
he was the first to arrive on the scene when the Cypress Freeway 
collapsed during the Lorna Prieta Earthquake. With complete disregard 
for his own safety, he crawled through a tiny space to attempt to 
rescue a victim who was trapped in a truck that had been crushed. He 
received the Governor's Medal of Valor Award in 1991 for his heroic 
efforts that day.
  Officer Goodman was killed when his motorcycle collided head-on with 
a minivan as he was pursuing a suspect involved in an earlier accident 
in San Bernardino, California. He had served honorably with the 
California Highway Patrol for 20 years.
  Those who knew Officer Goodman remember him as a selfless man who 
loved his family and his work. He had a passion for riding motorcycles 
and for serving Californians. Officer Goodman was dedicated to 
protecting the people of California, and was willing to put his life on 
the line for the safety of others. He died honorably and will forever 
be remembered as a brave and courageous man.

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