[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 79 (Tuesday, May 15, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONRING OFFICER THOMAS O'DONNELL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. KEN BUCK

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 15, 2018

  Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the heroism and 
bravery of Castle Rock Police Department Officer Thomas O'Donnell. On 
December 31, 2017, Officer O'Donnell responded with fellow law 
enforcement officers to a domestic disturbance call where he was 
wounded in the line of duty. On behalf of myself and the 4th 
Congressional District of Colorado, I would like to express my 
sincerest appreciation for Officer O'Donnell's service to our 
community. I admire his courage and willingness to stand in harm's way 
so that the innocent may be protected.
  Officer O'Donnell has committed his life to protecting citizens 
through his service in law enforcement for the past 17 years, including 
his work for the Castle Rock Police Department since 2008. He also 
serves as an Entry Team Leader on the Douglas County Regional SWAT 
Team.
  During the incident on December 31st, Officer O'Donnell received 
gunshot wounds from a gunman who had barricaded himself inside an 
apartment complex. As Officer O'Donnell confronts his own physical and 
emotional healing, he will also carry the burden of knowing that one of 
his fellow law enforcement officers did not make it away from the 
incident alive. For a profession that treats each other like family, 
the loss of a colleague is especially painful.
  We must never forget the sacrifices paid by our men and women in 
uniform. Our nation's law enforcers are vital to the safety of Colorado 
communities. On behalf of the citizens of the 4th Congressional 
District of Colorado, I extend my best wishes and deepest gratitude to 
Officer O'Donnell.

                          ____________________