[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 39 (Thursday, March 5, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E560-E561]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
A FINAL TRIBUTE TO LT. MICHAEL J. RENAULT
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HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG
of florida
in the house of representatives
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Madam Speaker, The City of Largo I have the
privilege to represent paid tribute to one of their fallen police
officers Saturday, when they laid to rest Lt. Michael J. Renault who
died too early at the age of 37.
The love and respect the community had for Mike was evident as
hundreds of his family, friends, neighbors and fellow officers turned
out to honor his life and his valiant eight month battle against
stomach cancer. They all recounted what a devoted family man Mike was
as he and his wife Jennifer had three beautiful children--Hunter, Luke
and Hannah.
Beverly and I had the opportunity to spend considerable time with
Mike and his family these past few months and know that his wife and
children were the center of his life. They were a source of great
strength to him during his battle with an aggressive form of cancer.
We also know of the deep respect his fellow law enforcement officers
in Largo and throughout the area had for Mike. Largo Police Chief
Lester Aradi summed it up nicely in his eulogy Saturday saying, ``The
way he led and the values he taught will long live on with those he
mentored on the force.''
Mike's parents Rev. James and Judy Renault said Mike knew early on
that he wanted to be a law enforcement officer. In fact, at 16 he
chased down a thief who robbed the store where he worked. He joined the
Largo Police Department soon after his graduation from college and
moved up through the ranks quickly during his 16 years on the force and
ultimately was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. He earned the Medal
of Valor for saving the life of a suicidal man. More importantly, he
earned the friendship, the trust and the abiding respect of those he
served with.
Madam Speaker, following my remarks, I would like to include an
article by Stephanie Hayes of The St. Petersburg Times entitled ``Largo
officer was tough man with soft heart'' so that my colleagues can learn
more about the special man that Beverly and I came to know.
Mike was a caring, compassionate and courageous man who fought
valiantly until his final breath. He had life's priorities in order--
[[Page E561]]
faith, family and the force on which he served. The people of Largo and
the Largo Police Department lost a hero last week, but his memory, his
strength and his core values will long live on in his children, his
family, his friends and fellow officers. There can be no finer lasting
tribute for a man who died long before his time.
[From the St. Petersburg Times, Feb. 26, 2009]
Largo Officer was Tough Man With Soft Heart
(By Stephanie Hayes)
Largo--Michael Renault was bagging groceries at a Winn-
Dixie when his calling clicked.
A thief came into the store and robbed the cash register.
Michael, always mischievous, always sneaking out of his
window at night, sought adventure and feared nothing.
He also knew right from wrong. At 16, he took off chasing
the bad guy.
He had cowboy instincts, raised on a diet of outer space
westerns like Star Wars and Star Trek. He collected John
Wayne movies and memorabilia.
He loved to fish and play laser tag in the middle of the
night with his younger brother, Jason. He was unfailingly
loyal, a good man to have on your team.
``He was someone I always looked up to,'' said Jason
Renault, 33. ``He was about as much of a big brother as you
can ask for. I kind of idolized him in way.''
After college, he joined the Largo Police Department,
climbing to become a lieutenant. He was tough to crack, a man
of deep voice and few words, said his wife, Jennifer Renault,
a fellow Largo police officer. Some people were intimidated.
When they first met, ``He paid no attention to me,'' she
said. ``That was our big joke. But then he really helped me
out, showing me what to do. He was just very genuine and
always made me feel special.''
Lt. Renault received a medal of valor for climbing a fire
ladder to get a suicidal man off the roof of a building, she
said. Other times, he endured dog bites while trying to catch
criminals.
He was an ace at poker, golfing, hunting, playing softball
and fantasy football.
He hated to lose.
``Oh, yeah, he was a sore loser,'' said his wife. ``Mike
Renault was a sore loser. Everyone will tell you that.''
Underneath, there was a soft man who wanted a huge family.
He played and caught bugs with his sons, Hunter and Luke. He
took them to ball games but curtailed his competitive side so
they'd know it was fine to lose.
He yearned for a little girl. ``He wanted the princess,''
his wife said. ``He wanted to be the dad to walk her down the
aisle.''
Eleven months ago, Hannah Renault was born. Lt. Renault sat
and listened to a country song called I Loved Her First. He
teared picturing his daughter in a white dress. But three
months later, he got staggering news--he had stomach cancer.
His family and friends rallied. His fellow officers raised
money and shaved their heads in solidarity.
As he ailed, he prayed and wrote in journals. He wanted his
children to graduate, to get married, to travel. He wished
they'd have fearless adventures and find their callings.
Lt. Renault died Tuesday. He was 37.
Biography
Michael Renault
Born: Oct. 1, 1971.
Died: Feb. 24, 2009.
Survivors: wife, Jennifer, children, Hunter, Luke and
Hannah; parents, James and Judy Renault; siblings, Jason
Renault, Kristen Pitchford; grandmother, Betty Lynch; seven
nieces and nephews.
Services: 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Paul United Methodist
Church, 1199 Highland Ave., Largo.
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