[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 64 (Monday, May 16, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E979]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    AUTHORIZING USE OF CAPITOL GROUNDS FOR NATIONAL PEACE OFFICERS' 
                            MEMORIAL SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 10, 2005

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the many 
police and peace officers across this country who have made the 
ultimate sacrifice to keep our families and our communities safe, and 
to lend my support to H. Con. Res. 135, which authorizes the use of the 
Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service.
  During this year's service, on May 15, our nation will honor one more 
fallen hero from Minnesota's Capital City. Last week my community was 
stunned and saddened by the death of St. Paul Police Sgt. Gerald Vick, 
who was killed in an act of senseless violence in the line of duty. 
Sgt. Vick knew well the dangers of his job, yet he exemplified the 
great bravery and selfless commitment of our city's finest.
  After graduating from St. Paul's police academy in 1989, Sgt. Vick's 
career had ``upward mobility,'' written all over it, according to the 
city's former chief of police. His personnel file was filled with 
approving letters from the chief. Sgt. Vick went above and beyond to 
protect our community and keep it a safe and healthy place to raise a 
family, After being promoted to sergeant in 1999 where he could have 
taken a much safer desk job, he only wanted to get back on the streets 
to the part of the job he love the most--working with the community.
  Twice Sgt. Vick was awarded the St. Paul Police Department's highest 
honor, the Medal of Valor. The first time was in 1990 when he saved an 
infant from a burning building, then again in 1997 when he shot and 
killed an armed robbery suspect who pulled a gun on him. Sgt. Vick 
served for 16 years on the Saint Paul police force and was a true 
public servant. Jerry died on May 6, 2005 protecting the community--the 
job he loved so much. He will be deeply missed by his family, his 
friends, and his fellow officers.
  I wish to express my sincere condolences as well as my thoughts and 
prayers to all those who loved and worked with Sgt. Gerald Vick.

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