[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 22, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H1507]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF POLICE OFFICER SCOT FITZGERALD

  (Mr. LaHOOD asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a 
policeman who was tragically taken from us too soon.
  In my district of South Jacksonville, Illinois, Police Officer Scot 
Fitzgerald was on duty on the evening of Friday, March 4, responding to 
a call for medical assistance, when his car was hit by an ambulance. 
The 32-year-old father of two passed away several hours later.
  In his funeral procession, hundreds of citizens and admirers came to 
remember the officer who had personally aided them in times of need.
  Sobering events like this remind us that our law enforcement officers 
put their lives on the line when they put on their uniforms.
  I offer my prayers and condolences to Officer Fitzgerald's family, 
his wife, and his two young children, a 4-year-old boy and a 4-month-
old girl, as they grieve their loss.
  I also want to offer my sincere gratitude to all of our law 
enforcement officers for their crucial role in keeping us safe.
  The community of South Jacksonville has set up a scholarship fund for 
his children and also a memorial 5K run in his name. I applaud these 
displays of compassion.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage the citizens of my district and elsewhere to 
consider supporting these efforts.
  I would ask, at this time, that the House rise to pay tribute to 
Officer Fitzgerald for his public service.

                          ____________________