[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 17, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E853]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MANUEL GONZALEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY G. MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 17, 2006

  Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor 
of Correctional Officer Manuel Gonzalez.
  Officer Gonzalez served for sixteen years as a correctional officer, 
dedicating his life to protecting the rights of the public and 
safeguarding our communities from criminal activity.
  Manuel was born in East Los Angeles, California in 1961. He attended 
Rio Hondo College and subsequently enlisted in the United States Army 
in 1982. In the Army, he started his law enforcement career, serving in 
the United States and overseas in Germany.
  In 1987, he married Silvia Ortiz. Together, they settled down to 
raise a family.
  He joined the California Department of Corrections in 1988, and was 
assigned to the California Institution for Men in Chino in 1996.
  On January 10, 2005, Manuel was killed in the line of duty while 
working his shift in the reception center of the institution. He was 
stabbed to death by an inmate known to be gang affiliated, who was 
already serving 75 years-to-life for the attempted murder of a peace 
officer.
  Correctional officers who risk their lives to protect our safety 
should be commemorated today.
  This week, Officer Gonzalez's name is being added to the Correction 
Officer's Memorial Wall. The wall is dedicated to the Correctional 
Officers, Employees, Jailors, and Deputies who made the ultimate 
sacrifice for their country, communities, and to their families.
  Officer Gonzalez may be lost, but he is not forgotten. His unmatched 
love for his family, sense of humor, and dedication to his professional 
career are qualities we will never forget.
  Today, my thoughts are not only with his family, but the families of 
all correctional officers who have died in line of duty.
  Please join me in honoring Officer Gonzalez, his family, and all 
those who have given their lives in noble service to their community.

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