[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 29 (Thursday, February 28, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    SLAIN SANTA CRUZ POLICE OFFICERS

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 28, 2013

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I had planned to be on the floor this morning 
to talk about the 52nd Anniversary of the founding of the Peace Corp.
  However, something very unpeaceful happen in my district in Santa 
Cruz, CA recently that I need to speak about instead--Tuesday 
afternoon, two police officers were shot and killed, and a suspect was 
later killed by police.
  When other officers arrived at the scene, they found the two 
detectives, Sgt. Loran ``Butch'' Baker, a 28-year veteran, and 
detective Elizabeth Butler, a 10-year veteran, shot and killed outside 
a residence.
  Sgt. Baker and Detective Butler are the first officers to be killed 
in the line of duty in the city's history.
  Sgt. Baker leaves behind a wife, two daughters and a son, who is a 
community service officer with the Santa Cruz Police Department.
  Detective Butler leaves behind her partner and two young sons.
  This is a horrible tragedy, and I join with all residents of the 
Central Coast, to mourn this loss and to pay our respects to these two 
outstanding officers.
  Our prayers and sympathies are with the families and loved ones of 
the officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.
  While the words of comfort we offer today are sincere, our actions 
and deeds will be the true test of our resolve. If we are truly 
committed to ending gun violence in our communities, we must be willing 
to find real solutions to prevent this type of senseless shooting from 
occurring again.
  We owe that much to the brave men and women who put on a police 
uniform every day.
  We must be willing to protect those who so bravely protect us.
  As a community, we promise that the sacrifices of Sgt. Baker and 
Detective Butler will not be forgotten.

                          ____________________