[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 21 (Thursday, February 4, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S663]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       REMEMBERING U.S. CAPITOL POLICE OFFICER VERNON ALSTON, JR.

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, today I wish to remember U.S. Capitol Police 
Officer Vernon Alston, who passed away on January 23, 2016. Officer 
Alston was a fixture on the Capitol Grounds for 20 years, and he is 
missed by the many who were honored to have known him.
  Those who knew Officer Alston best describe him as someone who loved 
his family, his job, and helping others. For two decades, he helped 
members of the Capitol Hill community by keeping us safe, and on the 
day he passed away, he helped members of his own community in Magnolia, 
DE, by shoveling snow for his neighbors.
  Officer Alston was a caring and modest man who took great pride in 
his work. As a former Capitol Police officer myself, I understand the 
dedication and sacrifice required of members of the Capitol Police 
force, and Officer Alston was an exemplar of these traits. I am 
saddened that the U.S. Capitol Police has lost one of our own, but I 
will always be grateful for Officer Alston's service to the Capitol 
Police force and to our Nation.
  Officer Alston was loved dearly by his friends and family. He is 
survived by his wife Nicole; daughters Brittany and Yasmeen; and sons 
Brandon, Israel, and Breyden. My condolences go out to Officer Alston's 
family during this difficult time.

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