[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 116 (Wednesday, July 29, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2078]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF SGT STEVE MAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 29, 2009

  Mr. CARDOZA. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise 
today to recognize the passing of a great public servant, Sergeant 
Steve May of the Modesto Police Department who died from medical 
complications sustained from a 2002 accident that occurred while on 
duty. As a 23 year veteran of the Department, Sergeant May gave the 
ultimate sacrifice to our community.
  Sergeant May was hired by the Modesto Police Department on February 
6, 1979 and promoted to Corporal on January 28, 1992. He was then 
promoted to Sergeant on September 20, 1994. Sergeant May was a 
respected member of the Department who was a consummate professional 
who served his community with distinction. The accident that took 
Sergeant May from his family and our community occurred on July 29, 
2002. Stanislaus County Sheriffs Deputies saw a black pickup that they 
believed to be suspicious, and after the vehicle attempted to evade 
officers, it rammed the deputies' patrol car and sped off. Sergeant May 
was on patrol and spotted the suspect's vehicle in downtown Modesto. He 
followed the vehicle and pursued it vigorously as the vehicle reached 
high rates of speed. The suspect ran two stop signs and was evading 
police. While running a stop sign, Sergeant May's patrol car was struck 
and pushed into a tree as the suspect's vehicle hit a house. Sergeant 
May was trapped inside his car and freed by firefighters. Suffering 
severe injuries, he was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
  Sergeant May's family and our community are deeply saddened by this 
loss. He leaves behind his wife Diana and their two children--Corinne 
and Michael. I offer my prayers and condolences as they grieve.
  Sergeant May was clearly a remarkable individual, public servant and 
law enforcement officer who remained dedicated to public safety and 
service throughout his impressive career. Through his dedicated work, 
he touched the lives of many and helped change the face of our 
community. Madam Speaker, it is with respect and gratitude that I ask 
my colleagues to join me in this posthumous recognition of Police 
Sergeant Steve May for his dedicated service.

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