[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 12, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E374]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN HONOR OF W.L. ``CORKY'' BURR

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ROY BLUNT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 12, 2008

  Mr. BLUNT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Trooper W.L. 
``Corky'' Burr of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, one of four state 
troopers nationally to be nominated for the 2007 International 
Association of Police Chiefs' Trooper of the Year Award. Although I am 
disappointed to learn that Trooper Burr did not win the award, I want 
to take this opportunity to honor him and his service to our community. 
I also extend my congratulations to the winner of the Trooper of the 
Year Award, New York State Trooper Amanda Reif.
  Trooper Burr's actions last August in Neosho, Missouri, are testament 
to his skill and training as a Missouri State Trooper. On August 12, 
2007, a tragic shooting spree occurred in my district at the First 
Congregational Church in Neosho, Missouri. That shooting left three 
people dead and several others seriously injured. Trooper Burr arrived 
at the scene, along with officers from the Neosho Police Department and 
the Newton County Sheriff's Office, and joined a team of other 
experienced officers schooled in special weapons and tactics. As they 
entered the sanctuary of the church, they found a man holding a female 
hostage at gunpoint, with around 30 members of the congregation 
positioned around him. Three victims were found lying on the floor 
mortally wounded and five others critically injured. During a tense 
confrontation between the suspect and the officers, Trooper Burr was 
able to calm the gunman, leading to his surrender and allowing the 
officers to take him into custody.
  I had the privilege to meet with Trooper Burr and the other brave law 
enforcement officers shortly after this tragic event and personally 
thank them for their heroic actions to save the lives of the others in 
the church that day. I am proud today to honor Trooper ``Corky'' Burr 
for his well deserved nomination for Trooper of the Year, his 
dedication to his profession and his service to our community, and ask 
my colleagues in the House to join me in doing the same.

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