[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 183 (Wednesday, December 16, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8712-S8713]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN LAW ENFORCEMENT


 Sergeant Sean Renfro, Trooper Taylor Thyfault, Jaimie Jursevics, and 
                         Officer Garrett Swasey

  Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, I rise today to honor our men and women 
in law enforcement. Across the United States this year, 118 law 
enforcement officers have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
  In Colorado, we honor our four fallen officers: Sergeant Sean Renfro 
with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, whose care and concern for 
others did not end when he was off duty; Trooper Taylor Thyfault with 
the Colorado State Patrol, an Army veteran and a cadet training to 
become a trooper and due to his bravery was honored as a trooper before 
being laid to rest; Jaimie Jursevics with the Colorado State Patrol, a 
new mom and the victim of the careless actions of another; and Officer 
Garrett Swasey with the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs 
Police Department, our most recent loss, as he responded to the 
senseless attack in Colorado Springs.
  Each of their legacies reflects an extraordinary Colorado spirit, 
each a cherished member of their community, leaving behind loved ones 
as they

[[Page S8713]]

worked to uphold the law and care for those around them. These heroes 
risked their lives, and they showed the highest courage. And as we 
prepare our hearts and our homes for the holiday season, I hope we can 
all take a few moments to express our sincere gratitude for their 
service and protection. In the best of times, patrolling the roadways, 
being present in our neighborhoods, and maintaining order can be a 
difficult and dangerous duty. I am proud of the work the men and women 
who make up each law enforcement office in Colorado carry out each and 
every day. On watch in precincts, correctional facilities, and along 
our highways, they diligently fight to safeguard our State.
  Colorado families, including mine, from the Eastern Plains to the 
Western Slope remain safe in large part because of the work and valor 
of our law enforcement personnel. As the guardians of our communities, 
they prepare to respond to things that most of society simply hope will 
never happen to them. Lt. Col. Dave Grossman wrote that American law 
enforcement is the loyal and brave sheepdog, always standing watch for 
the wolf that lurks in the dark.
  With the recent events at home and abroad, we are reminded of the 
threats that are hiding in the shadows and the dangers that police 
officers confront each and every day. Yet they remain steadfast in 
their commitment to stand against evil.
  I am personally grateful for the sacrifices they make and the 
commitment they demonstrate to protect our State and our country. Their 
courage and selfless service were exemplified in the recent tragedy in 
Colorado Springs. As first responders, they are the first to encounter 
the fear, the calls for help, and the danger, but in that fear and 
danger, they provide hope and safety. Driven by courage and the desire 
to serve, they fulfill a great need throughout our communities. They 
carry these values as they begin their watch each and every day when 
they leave their family to protect mine and every other American. Their 
badge identifies them as a source of help in vulnerable times, and 
behind each badge of police officers, sheriff deputies, correctional 
officers, and patrolmen and patrolwomen is a heart that extends beyond 
its own bounds.
  Calling Colorado home rings truer when you also have the honor to 
safeguard it. I am thankful for their service and thankful to the 
families for their continued sacrifice. They are constantly in my 
family's thoughts and prayers, and we wish them each a safe and happy 
holiday.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Massachusetts.

                          ____________________