[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 34 (Thursday, March 16, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S2307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                   HONORING OFFICER PETER ALFRED KOE

 Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Indianapolis police officer Peter Alfred Koe for his extraordinary 
valor above and beyond the call of duty. Today, in honor of his 
courageous service, Officer Koe received the Public Safety Officers 
Medal of Valor from President Bush. Officer Koe is one of only five 
public safety officers selected nationwide to receive the medal, and I 
could not be more proud that a Hoosier like Officer Koe is the 
recipient of such a prestigious award.
  On August 18, 2004, Officer Koe of the Indianapolis Police Department 
received information that several fellow officers had been shot by a 
violent gunman. He and other officers responded immediately to the 
scene, where a hidden gunman shot and wounded Officer Koe. He suffered 
a gunshot wound to his left leg and additional injuries to his face and 
body from flying glass and debris. However, rather than succumbing to 
his own injuries, Officer Koe charged the gunman to prevent him from 
further harming any of the other wounded officers. Despite his own 
critical injuries, he exchanged fire with the attacker and effectively 
subdued him. When medical personnel responded to the scene, Officer Koe 
urged them to assist the other officers, selflessly deflecting 
attention from his own serious wounds.
  Throughout this encounter, Officer Koe displayed remarkable valor and 
composure under fire. For this, I commend him and offer my sincere 
gratitude on behalf of Indiana for his outstanding service to the 
citizens of our state.
  While the events of August 18 demonstrated Officer Koe's abilities, I 
also want to thank him for his day-to-day work that may not generate 
the same headlines as a shoot-out or enjoy the glamour of an award but 
is equally crucial to the safety of Indianapolis residents.
  Officer Koe and all of his colleagues at the Indianapolis Police 
Department make daily sacrifices to ensure the safety of our 
Indianapolis streets, keeping our families safe and our neighborhoods 
secure. In an increasingly dangerous world, we depend on our first 
responders to defend us against violence and other threats to our 
communities, and I know that many Indianapolis families sleep better at 
night knowing that people like Officer Koe are protecting them.
  Officer Koe and countless others like him dedicate each day to 
justice as they protect and serve all Hoosiers. I am sure I speak for 
many Indianapolis area residents when saying thank you to Officer Koe. 
He went above and beyond the call of duty, and we are forever indebted 
to him for the lives that he has saved.
  On behalf of the State of Indiana, it is my honor to enter this 
tribute in the official record of the Senate in recognition of Officer 
Koe's award and his many years of service.

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