[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 110 (Monday, July 26, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S6230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATHS OF OFFICER JACOB JOSEPH CHESTNUT AND 
                     DETECTIVE JOHN MICHAEL GIBSON

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, in our democratic system, protection 
and preservation of the United States of America, her institutions, and 
her citizens is based solely on the voluntary risks taken and 
sacrifices made by ordinary Americans.
  Woven into the fabric of this great Nation and within all Americans 
is the notion that freedom is not free. Time and time again our 
citizens, members of our Armed Forces, and law enforcement officials, 
when called upon, have answered the call to defend that freedom.
  Twelve years ago this past Saturday, two courageous Capitol police 
officers answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice for their 
country and their fellow countrymen. Today, I wish to honor the 
sacrifice of Officer Jacob Joseph Chestnut and Detective John Michael 
Gibson. An American President once noted:

       Freedom is never more than one generation away from 
     extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the 
     bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and handed on 
     for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset 
     years telling our children and our children's children what 
     it was once like in the United States where men were free.

  People like Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson defended and even 
gave their lives in the service of this truth that is so vital to our 
society. That is why we remember them and that is why we will continue 
to tell their story, so those who follow will never forget the cost of 
freedom.
  Both men served for 18 years on the Capitol police force. Officer 
Chestnut--or J.J. to his friends--was 58 years old and a father of 
five. He was a 20-year veteran of the Air Force, serving in Vietnam and 
Taiwan.
  Detective Gibson was 42 years old and a father of three. A 
Massachusetts native, friends recall his intense love for his Boston 
sports teams--the Bruins, the Red Sox, and UMass basketball. A friend 
recalled that just a few days before the shooting, John told him he had 
never had to draw his weapon on the job. Yet, despite being mortally 
wounded on the day he died, John did not hesitate to return fire.
  This is not only a tribute to Detective Gibson's commitment, it is a 
testament to the outstanding training and preparation the officers of 
the Capitol police force receive to handle even the toughest 
situations. Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson were the first 
Capitol police officers to die in the line of duty.
  In honor of their sacrifice, a plaque has been placed in the Capitol, 
and their names have been etched upon the National Law Enforcement 
Officers Memorial, as well as the headquarters of the U.S. Capitol 
Police--fitting tributes to honor these good and courageous men.
  My friend the majority leader, a former Capitol police officer 
himself, knows all too well the honor as well as the risks associated 
with the job. So as we honor Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson 
today, we also honor all Capitol police who put their lives on the line 
every single day to protect us and this institution.
  To all members of the Capitol police, we thank you for your service 
and your sacrifice. We are grateful for the heroic sacrifice of these 
two men. On this day of remembrance, we remember their families as 
well. May God continue to look after them, and may God continue to 
protect all those, like Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson, whose 
daily work is to protect the rest of us from harm.
  Madam President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the order for the 
quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Kaufman). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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