[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 30, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF OFFICER DAN BESSANT OF THE OCEANSIDE POLICE 
                               DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DARRELL E. ISSA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 30, 2007

  Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life and 
service of Oceanside Police Officer Dan Bessant, who was killed in the 
line of duty on December 20, 2006.
  A 3-year police department veteran, Officer Bessant was fatally shot 
while responding to a fellow officer's call for assistance on a routine 
traffic stop in Oceanside, California. It is intolerable that such a 
fine young man should be taken from those he loved in the prime of his 
life to a senseless act of youth violence.
  Just as he did on that fateful day, Officer Bessant spent his life of 
25 years committed to serving the public--first as police cadet, then 
as a Police Community Safety Assistant, and finally as an Oceanside 
Police Officer. Each day of Officer Bessant's service made Oceanside a 
safer place.
  Officer Bessant will be remembered as a dedicated officer, passionate 
for his work and eager to improve the community where he was born and 
raised. His family and friends will remember him as a proud, new father 
and devoted husband. By all, he will be recalled for his unwavering 
honor and courage.
  On this day, Congress should remember Officer Bessant's passion for 
law enforcement and his endless devotion to Oceanside. May God bring 
peace to his wife Katelyn, 2 month-old son Wyatt, and his family, 
friends and colleagues.

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