[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 133 (Friday, August 10, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1142]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE BRAVERY OF SOUTH TEXAS LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

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                         HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 10, 2018

  Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the bravery 
of fellow South Texans: Lieutenant Phillip Foley, Officer Lucino 
Cabrera, Officer Ulysses Guerrero, Officer Alberto Rios-Cantu, and 
Officer Osiel Reyes of the City of McAllen Police Department. These 
five law enforcement officers engaged and prevented the Deutsch and 
Deutsch Jewelry store robbery on Saturday, July 28, 2018, at La Plaza 
Mall in McAllen, Texas. They apprehended seven male suspects who were 
attempting to rob this jewelry store midday during an otherwise calm 
weekend in South Texas.
  After entering the store with what appeared to be firearms, the 
suspects intimidated and threatened store staff while smashing glass 
displays. One off-duty officer working at a nearby store was alerted to 
the commotion and immediately went to appraise the situation. He then 
approached the active scene with the assistance of an off-duty Pharr 
Police narcotics officer, an off-duty McAllen Police lieutenant and 
off-duty McAllen Police officers. Together they arrested the suspects 
and secured the scene.
  Thanks to the brave actions of these officers, all seven suspects 
were taken into custody, and no one was harmed and no shots were fired. 
Though off-duty, these officers remained committed to the safety and 
well-being of our community. I would be remiss to not thank McAllen 
Police Chief Victor Rodriguez for his leadership at the helm of the 
police department for now more than 17 years. His vision, tenacity, and 
approach to guiding the more than 400 people under his command at 
McAllen Police is admirable and second to none.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct privilege to represent and recognize 
these courageous officers from South Texas. These heroes deserve our 
utmost respect and gratitude for a job extremely well done.

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