[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 131 (Monday, September 27, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S7504]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING KENNETH RAY HALL

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, today I honor the life of Connecticut 
State trooper first class Kenneth Ray Hall of Hartford, CT, who was 
killed in the line of duty earlier this month. I would like to take 
this opportunity to extend my deepest condolences to Trooper Hall's 
family, his colleagues on the Connecticut State Police force, and all 
those who knew and loved him. The sense of loss they must feel is 
undoubtedly immense, and I know that I speak for all residents of the 
State of Connecticut when I say that we stand with them during this 
time of unimaginable grief.
  Every single day, in communities large and small throughout this 
country, law enforcement officers take on incredible personal risks to 
safeguard our lives and property. Trained to act bravely and selflessly 
even in the most harrowing of situations, these heroic men and women 
frequently put themselves in danger to protect people they have never 
even met. And all too often, these individuals are called upon to make 
the ultimate sacrifice, giving their own lives in defense of their 
fellow citizens. Indeed, since the department's founding in 1903, 18 
Connecticut State troopers have died in the line of duty.
  Trooper Kenneth Hall was no different in that regard. A 22-year 
veteran of the Connecticut State Police who also served as a marine 
sniper in Vietnam, Trooper Hall's life exemplified the kind of personal 
courage and unflinching dedication to public service that are so 
engrained in the culture of America's law enforcement community. 
Trooper Hall loved his job and was absolutely devoted to helping and 
protecting the people of his State and Nation. And that was ultimately 
what he died doing.
  Late in the afternoon on September 2, Trooper Hall stopped a vehicle 
on I-91 in Enfield, CT, for a routine traffic violation. While he was 
pulled over on the side of the road filling out paper work, Trooper 
Hall's police cruiser was struck from behind by a pickup truck. The car 
was severely damaged, and Trooper Hall was rushed to Baystate Medical 
Center, just across the border in Springfield, MA. Tragically, in spite 
of the best efforts of first responders to save his life, Trooper Hall 
passed away not long after the accident. He was only 57.
  In death, Trooper Hall left behind a number of significant, enduring 
legacies. He was beloved by his colleagues on the Connecticut State 
Police force, who saw him not only as a wonderful officer, but as a 
first-rate friend. And he was also part of a larger family of local and 
State law enforcement officers across the country who considered him a 
brother in arms. Is it any wonder then, that thousands of police 
officers, some from as far away as Louisiana and California, gathered 
at his funeral in Hartford on September 11? What a fitting tribute for 
such an amazing officer, a man who dedicated the better part of his 
life to serving the public good.
  But perhaps the most important of the numerous legacies Trooper Hall 
left behind is his large, closely-knit, and incredibly loving family. 
For his wife Sheila, seven adult children, Tara, Troy, Norman, Teon, 
Tyco, Andrea and Michael, and countless other family members, Trooper 
Hall was more than just a dedicated member of Connecticut's State 
Police force. He was the consummate family man--an individual who 
relished every opportunity to spend an afternoon with relatives or dote 
on his grandchildren.
  So, it is with great sadness that I join Trooper Hall's loved ones, 
friends, colleagues, and everyone else whose life was touched in some 
way by this wonderful man, in mourning his untimely death. While I 
realize there are few words that can assuage the enormous sense of 
grief they undoubtedly feel, it is my hope that Trooper Hall's years of 
commendable service to his State, love for his family, and devotion to 
his friends will provide them with some measure of comfort during the 
months and years that lie ahead.

                          ____________________