[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 70 (Thursday, May 19, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S3162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, this week is National Police Week. During 
National Police Week we pay tribute to the brave men and women who 
serve the U.S. as law enforcement officers and take note of their 
selfless dedication to keeping our communities safe. Last week, peace 
officers from across the Nation traveled to Washington to honor those 
who have made the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives in the line 
of duty. This year, two of the names that were added to the National 
Law Enforcement Officers Memorial belong to law enforcement officers 
from Nevada: Nye County Deputy Ian Michael Deutch and Nevada Department 
of Corrections officer Sergeant Vincent Tyrone Tatum.
  Last April, 27-year-old Ian Michael Deutch was shot and killed while 
investigating a domestic disturbance call in Pahrump, NV. When the 
deputies arrived, the suspect opened fire on them with a high powered 
rifle. Deputy Deutch was struck three times in the abdomen and the 
bullets penetrated his bullet-proof vest. Sadly, Deputy Deutch had just 
survived a yearlong deployment in Afghanistan with the Nevada Army 
National Guard and was shot and killed on his second day back to work 
with the Nye County Sheriff's Office. He is survived by his wife Vicky, 
son Jonathon, daughter Savonya, his parents, his two brothers and his 
sister. Deputy Deutch's life of public service was tragically cut 
short, but we honor his sacrifice and know that he will serve as an 
example of selfless service for generations to come.
  In 1982, Sergeant Vincent Tyrone Tatum was abducted, beaten and shot 
four times in the head after he finished his shift at the Southern 
Desert Correctional Center. He had been conducting an internal 
investigation involving contraband being smuggled into a southern 
Nevada correctional facility by employees, and it is believed he was 
murdered to hinder the investigation. The murder of Sergeant Tatum is a 
stark reminder of what law enforcement officers risk day in and day 
out, and we are grateful for his sacrifice.
  Police week is held once a year, but we should remember the important 
and often dangerous work our public safety officers perform every day. 
America could not exist without them, and I am grateful for all they 
do. This year we honor those courageous Nevadans, and reflect on the 
sacrifices made by all law enforcement officers every day. We will 
never forget what they do for our communities, and we will forever be 
indebted to them for their dedication and service.

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