[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 80 (Thursday, May 15, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4277-S4278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING AMERICA'S FINEST
Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, this week, 358 new names were inscribed on
the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, representing officers
from across the country over the course of many years. We often take
for granted the thousands of brave officers who dedicate their lives to
protecting our streets and our communities every day across Maryland
and across America. But this week, during National Police Week, we all
should take a moment to thank these brave men and women--America's
finest--who risk their lives on our behalf. We especially must honor
the fallen law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate
sacrifice so that the rest of us could enjoy our families and go about
our daily business with a common sense of peace and security.
Nationally, 187 law enforcement officers gave their lives in the line
of duty during 2007. More than one-third succumbed to gunfire. On
average, they were nearly 11-year veterans of their respective
departments. The average age was just 39 years young. Seven of these
brave officers were women. Most importantly, these were sons and
daughters, husbands and wives, sisters, brothers, and true role models
for those who knew them well or saw them on the street proudly wearing
their uniform or badge. So our thoughts, during this special
commemoration, also are with their families and the communities they
touched by their presence.
Four of Maryland's finest gave their lives for our safety in 2007 and
one more recently on New Year's Day, January 1, 2008. I would like to
take a moment to tell you about these brave law enforcement officers.
Troy Lamont Chesley, Sr., was a detective with the Baltimore City
Police Department. At age 34, he was a 13-year veteran. On January 9,
2007, shortly after Detective Chesley got off duty at a public housing
unit, a suspect attempted to rob him. Despite being shot and mortally
wounded, Detective Chesley was able to take police action and return
fire. The robber was arrested later in the day and charged in
connection with Detective Chesley's murder. A widower himself,
Detective Chesley is survived by his three daughters, two sons,
parents, and brother.
On April 25, 2007, Police Officer Luke Hoffman had been with the
Montgomery County Police Department just 1 year when he was struck by a
car while involved in a foot pursuit of a suspected drunk driver. The
driver had fled on foot after a slow-speed pursuit in the Aspen Hill
area early that morning. Officer Hoffman was struck after chasing the
suspect across Old Georgia Avenue in an area with very low lighting
conditions. Another patrol car struck Officer Hoffman when his patrol
car went down an embankment and struck a tree. The officer in the
patrol car was injured. Officer Hoffman was flown to a local hospital
where he later died.
Corporal Scott Wheeler of the Howard County Police Department was
struck by a speeding vehicle he was attempting to flag down on Route
32. He had stepped into the roadway in an attempt to stop the car for
speeding while working an enforcement detail. He was flown to Maryland
Shock Trauma Center where he died on June 18, 2007, 2 days after the
accident. Corporal Wheeler had served with the Howard County Police
Department for 6\1/2\ years. He was posthumously promoted to the rank
of corporal. He is survived by his wife, parents, and brother.
Another brave Marylander who lost his life far too early was 25-year-
old Police Officer Christopher Nicholson of the Smithsburg Police
Department. Officer Nicholson was shot and killed while responding to
assist members of the Washington County Sheriff's Office at a call
involving reports that a man had just murdered his girlfriend during a
domestic disturbance. As he waited in his patrol car a short distance
away from the home for additional units to arrive, the suspect drove
toward Officer Nicholson's patrol car and opened fire as he pulled even
with the officer's door. A rifle slug struck him in the chest,
penetrating his vest. The suspect fled into a nearby cemetery, where he
engaged members of the Special Response Team in a shootout. The man was
wounded and taken into custody. Officer Nicholson was flown to a local
hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. Officer Nicholson had
previously served with the Maryland Division of Correction but spent
only 1\1/2\ years with the Smithsburg Police Department before his
death. He is survived by his mother, father, and girlfriend.
Finally, another auto accident claimed the life of Corporal Courtney
G. Brooks of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police Department.
He was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on I-95 in Baltimore
City at approximately 11:30 pm on New Year's Eve 2007. A 13-year
veteran of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police Department,
Corporal Brooks was setting out cones at the interchange of I-95 and I-
395 to keep commercial vehicles out of downtown Baltimore during New
Year's celebrations when he was hit. The driver fled in his vehicle but
was apprehended early the next morning. Corporal Brooks was transported
to Maryland Shock Trauma Center where he succumbed to his injuries
shortly after midnight on New Year's Day, January 1, 2008. Lost at the
age of 40, Corporal Brooks is survived by three children and a fiance.
I mentioned earlier that gunfire accounted for more than a third of
the law enforcement deaths nationwide. This was the single-biggest
cause of death. Perhaps after hearing about Police Officer Hoffman,
Corporal Wheeler and Corporal Brooks, it is no surprise that automobile
accidents fall second on that list, claiming the lives of over 25
percent of law enforcement officers who died nationwide last year.
During this commemoration, let me also offer thanks to The Officer
Down Memorial Page, a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring
America's fallen law enforcement heroes every day of the year by
telling the stories and preserving the memories of each of these
officers at www.odmp.org. I also offer my tribute and respect to the
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, which generates
increased public support for law enforcement as a profession, promotes
law enforcement safety, and leads our Nation in remembering the fallen
365 days a year but especially during National Police Week.
I am humbled by the sacrifice these law enforcement officers have
given for their fellow Marylanders. I would hope that they represent
the last of our Nation's finest law officers who would sacrifice
themselves for the greater good of safety and security.
Unfortunately, we know that is not likely. That is why, as a member
of the Senate Judiciary Committee I am working with my colleagues to
improve the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program to make it easier for
States to qualify for grants under this program. While not a guarantee,
bulletproof vests do save lives and allow more men and women in law
enforcement to return home to their families at the end of their shift.
We held a hearing in the Judiciary Committee earlier this week,
during which we heard from Detective David Azur, an ATF agent from
Baltimore, MD. He testified about how, in 2000,
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while working as part of the Regional Auto Theft Task Force, he was
shot in the line of duty and survived only because of his bulletproof
vest. He was subsequently awarded the Medal of Valor for his actions
that day.
I also recognize that strong partnerships between first responders,
like police officers, and the cities and States they serve are vital to
public safety. I firmly believe that all of our Nation's first
responders deserve the right to be treated with respect. But far too
many first responders across the country do not have basic workplace
protections.
As we debate the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act, I
pledge to work to ensure all first responders receive the respect they
deserve with the same protections enjoyed by so many other workers
across the country. I have cosponsored this important bill. In honor of
the 187 law enforcement officers who gave their lives last year and the
more than 18,000 who have done likewise, I urge the Senate to pass this
important legislation.
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