[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 82 (Thursday, May 17, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S6263]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO DETECTIVE KEVIN ORR

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to a special man who 
died in the line of duty in Utah--Uintah County Sheriff's Detective 
Kevin Orr. His wife Holley and their four children, Tyler, Kaylee, 
Jessica, and Ashlee, were in Washington, DC this week to participate in 
a ceremony where Detective Orr's name was added to the National Peace 
Officers Memorial. The Orr family had the opportunity to join with 
other survivors of law enforcement officers to commemorate their loved 
ones' lives and sacrifices.
  I had the pleasure of meeting with the Orr family as they were paying 
respects to him through his addition to the National Peace Officers 
Memorial. Many from his extended family visited with me in my office, 
including Kevin's parents, Eugene and Claudia Orr, and Holley's 
parents, Glen and Dixie Hartle. Extended family members who were also 
visiting included Eric Hartle, Lisa Howe, Julie Luceor, Jolynn Orr, 
Jeffrey Orr, Larry Orr, Damon Orr, and Jason Pazour. Their loss is 
tragic, but their unity as a family is unbreakable.
  Detective Orr sustained fatal injuries in November 2006 when he 
joined in a search for a missing 25-year-old woman. The helicopter he 
was riding in hit an unmarked power line hanging across the Green River 
and plummeted to the ground. Sadly, Detective Orr lost his life early 
the next morning as a result of the injuries he sustained in the 
accident.
  At the time of his death, Detective Orr had worked for the Uintah 
Sheriff's Department for 11 years and was known for his dedication and 
commitment to law enforcement and the people he served. In 1999 he was 
named Uintah County Deputy of the Year for the example he set and the 
work he performed. He spent several years working with people in the 
Drug Court, making a difference in the lives of many who passed through 
the program. One young woman who had been a participant in Drug Court 
stated that she owed her life to Kevin. He believed in people and 
wanted to see them succeed and become happier, more productive 
citizens.
  I was touched by what retired Vernal police officer Robert Roth said 
about Kevin. He stated: ``He was the caliber of person that lived his 
life as an example to all of us . . . We traditionally think of gun 
battles or car chases, but it's about service. Some of us are willing 
to die for that cause and some of us have.''
  When I met with Kevin's family this week, I was touched by their 
humble, courageous spirits and their commitment to the legacy he left 
behind as a valiant law enforcement officer. It reminded me of a quote 
I have always appreciated by an unknown source that says: ``You make a 
living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give.''
  Mr. President, Officer Orr was willing to give it all to help others. 
He truly epitomized the ideals of sacrifice and service. I know that 
his family misses him and grieves for their loss, but I also know that 
they can find great peace and comfort from the example he left behind. 
He was a valiant, dedicated public servant and his influence will be 
felt by many generations.

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