[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 68 (Monday, May 14, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3128-S3129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO LORIN JOHNSTON

 Mr. CORKER. Madam President, I rise today to recognize Master 
Police Officer Lorin Johnston of the Chattanooga Police Department who 
was one of ten law enforcement officers honored at the White House on 
Saturday as a National Association of Police Organizations TOP COP. The 
TOP COPS awards pay tribute to law enforcement officers for actions 
above and beyond the call of duty.
  The National Association of Police Organizations states:

       Officer Lorin Johnston has lived one of a cop's worst 
     nightmares. On a bright spring morning last April, Officer 
     Johnston, along with three other officers, investigated a 
     silent alarm at a pawn shop, indicating that an armed robbery 
     was in progress. As soon as they arrived, they were spotted 
     by the suspect, who engaged them in a frantic gun battle. 
     During the gunfight, Johnston was struck by a bullet in the 
     middle of the back, despite his vest.
       As the perp tried to flee out a side door, Sgt. Tim Chapin, 
     Johnston's close personal friend, was waiting in his patrol 
     car. The suspect took aim at the car, shooting straight 
     through the windshield. Sgt. Chapin hit the gas and knocked 
     the suspect down, causing him to drop the .45-caliber Glock 
     he was carrying along with a loaded clip of ammunition.
       Assuming he had disarmed the robber, Sgt. Chapin jumped out 
     of the car and gave chase. Then, without warning, the suspect 
     pulled out a second gun, turned and fired. His bullet struck 
     Chapin squarely in the face, killing him instantly. Just then 
     Officer Johnston came on the scene as the cop-killer was 
     running around the corner, where he was pursued, and 
     ultimately taken down by two other brave officers. Johnston 
     knelt protectively over his friend, shielding him until help 
     arrived. Not until he received medical treatment did Officer 
     Johnston realize he had taken a second bullet to the leg. 
     Johnston's courage and loyalty, despite his own injuries, 
     make him a living testament to the outstanding qualities 
     found only in America's TOP COPS.


[[Page S3129]]


  Lorin Johnston's acts of selflessness and heroism in the line of duty 
exemplify the meaning of true public service. As a former mayor of 
Chattanooga, I am particularly proud and grateful for the bravery and 
dedication of officers like Lorin Johnston who enter into harm's way in 
order to keep us safe.
  As we honor Officer Johnston, we also remember Sergeant Tim Chapin, a 
26-year veteran of the Chattanooga Police Department, for paying the 
ultimate sacrifice.
  I am proud to join my fellow Tennesseans in congratulating Officer 
Johnston on this well-deserved honor and in remembering law enforcement 
officers across the country who go above and beyond the call of duty to 
keep our communities safe.

                          ____________________