[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 69 (Tuesday, May 15, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E793]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING OFFICER CRAIG BIRKHOLZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS E. PETRI

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 15, 2012

  Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize those peace 
officers being honored during National Police Week, and I particularly 
want to honor a constituent of mine who was killed in the line of duty 
last year.
  Officer Craig Birkholz was only 28 years old when he was shot and 
killed during a six-hour standoff at a home in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, 
on March 20, 2011. Officer Birkholz is one of the 166 being honored 
today as part of National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and his name has 
been engraved on the National Memorial wall.
  Officer Birkholz had been with the Fond du Lac Police Department for 
two years and was a veteran who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan with 
the Army. Born in Kenosha in 1982, he graduated cum laude from the 
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a degree in criminal justice. In 
2009, he married his wife, Ashley. Men and women such as Officer 
Birkholz, who make the ultimate sacrifice in order to keep us safe, 
truly are owed our eternal gratitude.
  I hope that National Police Week celebrated here in Washington will 
help those affected by the loss of a relative or fellow officer know 
that their life of service will continue to be honored. We will 
remember the life and service of Officer Birkholz, and the memorial is 
a lasting tribute to him and all fallen officers.

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