[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 104 (Wednesday, July 14, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1321]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  HONORING TAMPA POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICERS, JEFFREY KOCAB AND DAVID 
                                 CURTIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 14, 2010

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of my 
community as we mourn the deaths of two young Tampa Police Department 
Officers, Jeffrey Kocab and David Curtis, who were fatally shot in the 
line of duty.
  Tampa families and neighborhoods value the service of the brave 
officers of the Tampa Police Department. On June 29th 2010 the city 
lost two valuable members of the forces. The officers were conducting a 
routine traffic stop when the passenger opened fire, hitting the 
officers. Both passed away at Tampa General Hospital that same morning.
  Jeffrey Kocab began his law enforcement career 2006 and was honored 
as ``Officer of the Year'' and ``Employee of the Month'' on four 
separate occasions for his outstanding performance. Officer Kocab was 
an achiever who loved his work. In the fourteen months he was with the 
Tampa Police Department he established himself as a fine officer. His 
outstanding police skills allowed him to move through the department's 
training program at an accelerated pace and his work was a testament to 
his strong commitment to law enforcement.
  David Curtis was a dedicated four-year Tampa officer. A native of 
Mobile, Alabama Curtis began working for Hillsborough County Sheriffs 
Department in 2002 where he was part of the Tactical Action Control 
team. During his tenure there, he went to Mississippi in 2005 to help 
with the recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina. He received 
outstanding evaluations throughout his time at the sheriff's office, 
but he knew he wanted to one day be a deputy or a police officer on the 
street. In 2006 he got that opportunity when he began with the Tampa 
Police Department where he was soon honored as ``Employee of the 
Month'' in recognition of his work with a complicated child neglect 
case. He loved participating in the honor guard and recognizing the 
people who have given their lives in the line of duty. Officer Curtis 
was always compassionate with others and was dedicated to his job and 
community.
  Throughout the years we have lost several other police officers and 
together we honor their memories. Corporal Michael Joseph Roberts was 
shot and killed in 2009 while investigating a heavily armed man. During 
his 11 years with the Tampa Police Department he received 33 
commendations and awards for his work, including the department's rare 
``Life Saving Award.''
  We will also always remember the day of May 19, 1998 when Detectives 
Ricky J. Childers and Randy Scott Bell were shot while transporting the 
murder suspect of a 4-year old boy. Both detectives were veteran 
officers of the Tampa Police Department and had received over 30 
letters of commendation each during their service on the force. Their 
loss motivated changes in the Tampa Police Department's law and policy 
so officers could better protect themselves while in the line of duty.
  On behalf of the generous and appreciative families of the Tampa Bay 
Area, I am proud to salute the outstanding service of these two young 
heroes and remember all those who have also sacrificed their life to 
serve their fellow citizens. I know that their families and communities 
are proud of them and of their accomplishments. These brave men gave 
their lives to protecting our city. For that, I rise today before the 
United States House of Representatives to honor the memory of Officers 
Jeffrey Kocab and David Curtis.

                          ____________________