[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 157 (Wednesday, October 17, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S12982]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               A TRIBUTE TO ZACHARIAH ``ZACH'' TEMPLETON

  Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the service and 
sacrifice of Trooper Zachariah ``Zach'' Templeton.
  My wife Joan and I were deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death 
of Trooper Zachariah Templeton while in the line of duty this past 
Friday in Adams County, CO, as he tried to help a motorist on 
Interstate 76.
  It takes a person of great courage to become an officer of the law. 
It takes a strong, hardworking, and considerate individual. It takes a 
special someone who is willing to pay the ultimate price in protecting 
the safety of others.
  Trooper Templeton was just this person. And unfortunately, Trooper 
Zachariah Templeton paid the ultimate price.
  At age 27, Trooper Zachariah was the 24th Colorado State Patrol 
trooper who has died in the line of duty. Trooper Jason Lee Manspeaker 
was the last trooper killed on duty and died in a motor vehicle crash 
on January 23, 2001, while attempting to locate a vehicle believed to 
be associated with the ``Texas Seven,'' who were wanted in connection 
with the death of a Texas police officer. According to the National Law 
Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, more than 17,500 officers have been 
killed nationwide since 1792, including 238 in Colorado.
  A native of Colorado, Zach joined the Adams County Sheriff's Office 
as a detention specialist from May 2002 to July 2003, and then joined 
the CSP and graduated from the CSP Academy in 2003. According to CSP 
officials, ``Templeton was best described by fellow troopers and 
supervisors as an individual with a big heart and willingness to help 
others. It is that desire to serve which led Templeton to respond to 
the call of a fellow officer. He served the citizens of Colorado with 
dignity and honor for four years.''
  Zach came from a family steeped in law enforcement tradition. Zach's 
father is a sergeant with the Adams County Sheriff's Office, and his 
great-grandfather was once county sheriff.
  Trooper Zachariah Templeton was a father, brother, and a son. He is 
survived by daughter Samantha, parents Doug and Teresa Templeton, his 
brother Levi, and his girlfriend Holly Holsinger. Zach was well liked 
by his peers and was often very funny and a jokester with his fellow 
coworkers.
  The State of Colorado and the Colorado State Patrol has lost a 
valuable member of its community, and we are all forever grateful for 
Trooper Zachariah Templeton's service and dedication to the safety and 
well-being of others. His service to all of us is highly commendable, 
and his contributions will be remembered.
  I extend my deepest sympathy to the family of Trooper Zachariah 
Templeton. May his bravery and unwavering sense of duty serve as a role 
model for the future generation of law enforcement officers. Thank you 
for your service, Trooper Templeton. Rest in peace, Sir. End of watch: 
Friday, October 12, 2007.

                          ____________________