[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 113 (Wednesday, July 13, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H4819]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  COMMEMORATING OFFICER BRENT THOMPSON

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Ratcliffe) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. RATCLIFFE. Madam Speaker, to protect and serve isn't just a 
slogan on the side of police cars all across the country. It is a 
promise--a promise that our men and women in blue keep every day as 
they serve to uphold the law and order in our cities and our towns. 
Without their bravery and sacrifice, our communities would be lawless 
and our families, our friends, and our loved ones would be in constant 
danger.
  I can't adequately express the sadness I felt last week when five 
Dallas police officers were targeted as victims in a horrific ambush 
simply for choosing to put on their uniform and to protect their 
community. Among the officers whose lives were unjustly taken was DART 
Police Department Officer Brent Thompson, who was a resident of Royse 
City in my home district. It just breaks my heart that this brave man's 
life was mercilessly and needlessly cut short at 43 years of age just 
because he reported for duty simply wanting to do his job.
  So I join the greater Dallas community, the Fourth District of Texas, 
and our entire country in mourning over the loss of Officer Thompson, 
as we remember him for his selfless commitment to our country. His 
family remains in our prayers, and we will be forever grateful to him 
for his service.
  Officer Thompson, you will not be forgotten. Your memory will 
continue to inspire us to stand up for those who stand up for us 
because this violence targeted towards our police officers is 
unacceptable, it is outrageous, and it needs to stop.

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