[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 14, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE MEMORY AND SERVICE OF OFFICER GREGGORY JONATHAN CASILLAS

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                          HON. NORMA J. TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 14, 2018

  Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, on Friday March 9th, the brave men and 
women. of the Pomona Police Department responded to a short pursuit 
that resulted in a 15-hour long standoff in my hometown. Among those 
brave first responders was Officer Greggory Jonathan Casillas.
  It is with more than a heavy heart that I stand here on the House 
floor to say that during that altercation, Officer Casillas was killed 
in the line of duty. I can't say much about the motives of the 
individual who committed this abhorrent crime, nor do I want to.
  What I do want to do is focus on Officer Casillas and the incredible 
contributions he made to leave Pomona safer than it was before.
  He made the ultimate sacrifice doing what he loved, and he will be 
missed dearly. He is survived not only by his parents, brothers, wife, 
five-month old and four-year old sons, but also by every single law 
enforcement officer of the Pomona Police Department and every member of 
our community.
  Casillas knew his calling early on: to one day become a Pomona Police 
Officer. In March of 2015, he set out on this pursuit and joined the 
Pomona PD as a records specialist. Casillas would go on to work his way 
up through the department, prudently learning every detail at every 
step. On November 2015, he became a jailer before eventually becoming a 
Pomona police recruit, putting him one step closer to attending the 
police academy.
  Officer Casillas intentionally took on these varying roles within the 
department because he was eager to learn and wanted to become the best 
version of himself to prepare him for the role of officer.
  Colleagues recall Casillas diligently studying officer reports so he 
could learn how to write them--he was known for always carrying 
flashcards of penal codes and books to prepare for the police officer 
exam.
  He was honest, dedicated, and determined. He never lost hope nor 
sight of his dreams.
  And last September, that relentless determination led him to graduate 
from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Academy Class No. 
207. He accomplished his goal of becoming a Pomona Police Officer.
  Officer Casillas was in the final stages of finishing his field 
training, which would have allowed him to ride on his own without a 
training officer--a self-imposed final hurdle for achieving his 
ultimate goal of riding solo.
  But in my opinion, he achieved his goal nearly four years ago when he 
decided to join the Pomona Police Department. It takes a special kind 
of unyielding dedication for someone to be willing to put their lives 
at risk every single day that they put on a uniform.
  Casillas was this type of individual.
  Officer Casillas accomplished his goal long ago and surpassed it.
  The hundreds of people that gathered for multiple vigils in his 
memory is evidence.
  The young generation of police recruits that he has inspired by 
leading by example is proof.
  He selflessly left his family at home to protect our community. His 
memory and spirit will live on, and we are eternally grateful for his 
sacrifice. May he rest in peace.

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