[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 97 (Tuesday, July 9, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5564-S5565]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                  OUTSTANDING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

 Mr. COONS. Mr. President, Delaware's law enforcement officers 
do their jobs day in and day out with exceptional courage and 
dedication.
  When the worst happens in our community, our emergency responders 
rush toward danger while everyone else is rushing away.
  It is my honor to congratulate four outstanding law enforcement 
officers on receiving the Lieutenant Joseph L. Szczerba Service Award, 
presented to Delawareans who go above and beyond the call of duty.
  It is hard to think of more deserving public servants than these four 
heroes: Officer Justin Wilkers of the Wilmington Police Department and 
Officers Steven Rinehart, Michael Manley, and Arlene Redmond of the 
Capitol Police.
  Each of their stories is heroic.
  On February 3 of this year, Officer Wilkers and his partner pulled 
over an SUV for a motor vehicle violation. In what should have been a 
routine traffic stop, the suspect instead raised a gun and fired at 
Officer Wilkers, hitting him in the face.
  Officer Wilkers was treated at Christiana Hospital for his injuries, 
and when he was released a week later, Delaware police officers lined 
up outside the hospital in applause.
  With typical modesty, he said, ``'I don't understand what the big 
deal is.''
  The truth is, this kind of service and sacrifice is a big deal. Just 
3 days after Officer Wilkers was injured in the line of duty, we saw 
once again how our law enforcement officers give us their best in the 
very worst of situations.
  February 12 began like any other day at the New Castle County 
Courthouse, but that morning, a suspect in the lobby began shooting. 
Capitol police officers jumped into action and were immediately 
targeted by the shooter.
  Officers Steven Rinehart and Michael Manley were hit in the chest. 
Thankfully they were wearing bullet-resistant vests that saved their 
lives. Along with Officer Arlene Redmond, they showed courage when it 
counted the most.
  I will keep working to ensure Delaware's law enforcement officers 
have all of the tools they need to do their jobs and stay safe, 
including the kind of bullet-resistant vests that saved the lives of 
Officers Rinehart and Manley in the Wilmington courthouse that day.
  These brave men and women put their lives at risk every time they put 
on a uniform to protect Delawareans. Almost 2 years ago, my friend, 
Lieutenant Joe Szczerba, was taken from us

[[Page S5565]]

in a senseless crime, an act of cowardice dwarfed by Joe's 
extraordinary courage and sacrifice.
  The Lieutenant Joseph L. Szczerba Service Award helps to ensure that 
his memory lives on for years to come.
  This year, there could be no recipients more deserving than Officers 
Wilkers, Rinehart, Manley, and Redmond. They have my congratulations 
and my deepest gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

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