[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 13, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E696]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS OFFICER SCOTT PATRICK

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 13, 2015

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the men and 
women serving this nation as law enforcement officers who have given 
their lives in the line of duty. This week is Police Week where we 
reflect upon the service and sacrifice of the thousands of women and 
men who keep our communities safe and put their lives on the line on 
our behalf. For their courage, commitment and bravery, these women and 
men have my greatest respect.
  Last year, the Twin Cities East Metro lost an officer in the line of 
duty when Officer Scott Patrick was gunned down in the line of duty 
during a traffic stop in St. Paul. Whenever an act of violence this 
senseless and tragic takes place, it shakes a community deeply. Officer 
Patrick's loss is still felt each day by his family and his fellow 
officers on the Mendota Heights Police force. This week we join them in 
mourning the loss of their loved one and friend. On Wednesday, Officer 
Scott's name will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officer's 
Memorial Wall in Washington, DC.
  The work that police officers and law enforcement officials do to 
keep our communities safe is often thankless and dangerous. As a 
society, we place an enormous amount of trust in those officers and 
they play a critical role in shaping the world we live in. Those who 
serve in law enforcement have my greatest respect for the work that 
they do to live up to and earn that trust in their communities.
  As a member of Congress, one of my jobs is to make sure police 
officers have the tools they need to keep their communities safe while 
returning home to their families safely each night. Whether this means 
personal safety protection, body cameras or computer systems that they 
need we must consider doing more for law enforcement agencies. I am 
proud to say that I have been a champion for more effective 
communication between law enforcement officers and first responders 
throughout my time in Congress and I look forward to continuing that 
partnership with the police community.
  This week, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring police week by 
remembering those officers who have given their lives in service of 
their communities.

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