[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 165 (Thursday, November 17, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1510-E1511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             UNITED IN BLUE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEVEN M. PALAZZO

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 17, 2016

  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the incredible 
sacrifices that our law enforcement officers have made in order to 
protect us and keep our communities safe. Although acts of heroism are 
displayed every day by the proud men and women in blue across the 
Mississippi Gulf Coast, it is the extraordinary sacrifices of officers 
in our sister state of Louisiana that I am compelled to highlight 
today.
  On July 17th, 2016, Corporal Montrell Jackson and Officer Matthew 
Gerald with the Baton Rouge Police Department and Deputy Brad Garafola 
with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Parish Office were shot and killed 
in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Sergeant Bruce Simmons and Corporals Chad 
Montgomery and Nicholas Tullier were also injured in the same shooting. 
These men were not just protectors; they were fathers, husbands, 
brothers, and sons. We are in awe of their courage, and we are indebted 
to them for their service and sacrifice.
  Mr. Speaker, I have noticed a frightening trend in this country. I 
have never seen this level of disrespect and injustice towards our law 
enforcement on such a large scale. Even though these anti-police 
sentiments are only harbored by a small, unappreciative, and sometimes 
hateful minority, we must speak louder in defense of those who protect 
us.
  Ultimately, if we do not unite as a nation by showing unwavering and 
unequivocal respect for proud institutions like our police, then we are 
inviting further unconscionable acts. We must work harder than ever, in 
the memory of these officers, to assure that we make America safe 
again. Despite this tragedy, there is still ample reason for hope. In 
this time of grief, in the wake of these heinous acts, law enforcement 
agencies across the country have banded together with the Baton Rouge 
community in order to show their support for the families and friends 
of these officers.
  Later this week, Mississippi Gulf Coast law enforcement agencies are 
partnering with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Blue Team to host a special 
charity event titled ``United in Blue'' for the fallen and wounded 
officers from Baton Rouge. All proceeds will rightfully go to support 
the families and wounded officers.
  Above all else, on behalf of your brothers and sisters in South 
Mississippi, I would like to thank every man and woman in law 
enforcement in South Louisiana. And I would like to thank all law 
enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders for their 
service to our country. Our nation stands proudly behind you.

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