[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 55 (Thursday, April 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E525]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN HONOR OF SAN BERNARDINO POLICE OFFICER GABRIEL GARCIA

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. NORMA J. TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 16, 2015

  Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor San Bernardino Police 
Officer Gabriel Garcia for his outstanding service to the community and 
for his dedication to the San Bernardino Police Department.
  Officer Garcia joined the police force in March 2008 and has since 
served as a Patrol Officer. His work throughout the years has been 
described as exemplary by colleagues on account of his extreme 
professionalism and compassionate nature. Among Officer Garcia's many 
accomplishments include his highly commended involvement in the San 
Bernardino Graffiti Task Force. Throughout his tenure, he has received 
widespread commendation for his assistance with various crimes such as 
armed robberies and car theft.
  At about 2 a.m. on August 22, 2014, Officer Garcia was shot in the 
head and critically injured while showing his young officer trainee how 
to conduct a pedestrian check in San Bernardino. Officer Garcia's 
injuries were so severe that he spent several months hospitalized in 
critical condition. Due to his life-threatening brain injuries, Officer 
Garcia was put in a medically induced coma, which he later emerged from 
in September.
  Now, after a triumphant recovery, Officer Garcia is back at the side 
of his loving family. His recovery is currently being aided by his 
father, retired San Bernardino Police Captain Ron Garcia, and his 
mother, Lydia Garcia. They provide full care and support for their son 
as he takes part in a day therapy program.
  Officer Garcia is a testament to the sacrifices that our public 
safety officials make in order to protect and serve our communities. He 
is a reminder to all of us that every day, men and women in law 
enforcement put themselves in harm's way to maintain order throughout 
the United States. His perseverance through this traumatic event is 
inspirational, and I wish him a continued recovery.
  For his heroic contributions to the community, and for his many other 
achievements, I would like to honor Officer Garcia and his family.

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