[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 22, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H4290]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF OFFICER LANCE WHITAKER

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Rutherford) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Officer Lance Whitaker, who was killed in the early morning hours on 
May 15, 2018, while responding to a police call for service.
  Officer Whitaker began his law enforcement career with the Atlantic 
Beach Police Department in Florida. He then joined the Jacksonville 
Sheriff's Office and has since served the city of Jacksonville 
faithfully for 17 years.
  Officer Whitaker was known among his fellow officers for his kind 
heart, and he had a very contagious smile. It was clear to those around 
him that he loved his job and he believed in what he was doing.
  Outside of work, Officer Whitaker was known as a proud father and 
family man. He is survived by his 14-year-old son, Cade Whitaker.
  Just 3 weeks ago, I attended the rededication of the Fallen Officers 
Memorial Wall in Jacksonville, where we had the chance to remember and 
celebrate the lives of 61 men who have died protecting our city. 
Tragically, another name now must be added to that wall.
  Today, I join the northeast Florida community to mourn the loss of 
Officer Whitaker. His service to the First Coast will never be 
forgotten, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, 
and all of the JSO family, and I thank them for their sacrifice on 
behalf of a grateful city.
  Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: ``The purpose of life is not to be 
happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to 
have it make some difference that you lived and lived well.''
  Officer Whitaker lived well. He did his job honorably and 
compassionately. He dedicated his life to his community, and he made a 
difference in the lives of many. Officer Whitaker lived his life well.


     Recognizing River City Science Academy for Outstanding Success

  Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate River City 
Science Academy of Jacksonville, Florida, for winning the State 
championship in the Science Olympiad and for their excellent 
representation in the national competition that took place in Fort 
Collins, Colorado, on May 19, 2018. This remarkable achievement was the 
first time a school from Duval County has won the State competition, 
and I couldn't be more proud of the students, teachers, and parents who 
came together to achieve this outstanding victory.
  My district is home to some of the brightest students in the country, 
and the academic excellence of the River City Science Academy is just 
more proof of the robust STEM programs that we facilitate back home.
  STEM education is so important in a highly competitive, 
technologically driven economy, and I am thankful for the educators who 
dedicate their lives to training the next scientists, mathematicians, 
and engineers.
  Congratulations once again to the River City Science Academy for 
leading the way, and I look forward to hearing of their many successes 
in the years to come.

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