[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 64 (Wednesday, April 29, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1010]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNITION OF THE PASSING OF DEPUTY BURTON LOPEZ, OKALOOSA COUNTY 
                          SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 29, 2009

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Deputy Burton 
Lopez, Okaloosa County Sheriff's Department, who gave his life in the 
line of duty on April 25, 2009. Deputy Lopez served the Okaloosa 
Sheriff's Department with honor and distinction, and I am humbled to 
recognize this American hero.
  Deputy Burton ``Burt'' Lopez began his career in the United States 
Air Force, proudly serving for over twenty years before retiring as a 
sergeant. His career took him across the world, including Northwest 
Florida's own Eglin Air Force base. He joined the Okaloosa Sheriff's 
Department shortly after his retirement, fulfilling a lifelong dream of 
becoming a police officer. His fellow officers knew him as a dedicated 
public servant and a true family man who loved serving his community.
  Deputy Lopez was killed when he and another patrol deputy went to 
apprehend a suspect during a domestic violence dispute. The gunman 
fired at the officers, fatally wounding Deputy Lopez and a fellow 
officer. These two deaths mark only the second and third Okaloosa 
Sheriff's deputies to ever be killed in the line of duty, a truly sad, 
but powerful testament to the quality of the entire Sheriff's 
Department.
  The people of Okaloosa County have many reasons to be proud of Deputy 
Lopez, and I am honored to be able to represent those people, as well 
as the memory of this brave police officer. Vicki and I will keep his 
entire family, especially his wife, Michelle, and children, Jesse, 
Erik, Madilyn, Jami, and Jake, and grandson, Caleb, in our prayers. May 
God Bless Deputy Lopez and all of the officers across this great 
country who courageously protect their citizens and their communities.

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