[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 200 (Wednesday, December 19, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S7858]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

  Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, I come to the floor to honor our men and 
women in law enforcement. As Members of Congress and their staffs head 
home this holiday season, we must remember the sacrifice of those who 
make our communities safe, those who make our safety possible.
  This year, across the United States, 143 law enforcement officers 
have paid the ultimate price.
  In Colorado, we honor three fallen officers. We honor Deputy Sheriff 
Heath McDonald Gumm, whose final act was to bravely pursue an armed 
suspect. We will never forget the courage and bravery of his action. We 
honor Deputy Sheriff Micah Lee Flick, who was killed in the line of 
duty in February of this year after serving in the El Paso County 
Sheriff's Office for 11 years. We also honor the memory of Sergeant 
Matthew Moreno, who was killed in the line of duty in Las Animas County 
just last week. He was responding to reports of domestic violence when 
his cruiser and that of another officer's crashed into a civilian's 
vehicle that was headed in the opposite direction. Unfortunately, the 
occupants of the other vehicle, including a 1-year-old child, also lost 
their lives.
  The pain of losing loved ones this close to the holidays is 
unimaginable.
  Sergeant Moreno ends his watch after having served honorably for 5 
years. He is survived by his loving family, including his three 
beautiful children, Summer, Morgan, and Jared. He has been described as 
being a superhero to his kids. It seems very fitting given the bravery 
that he showed throughout his career. He is also remembered for his 
sense of humor and his love for hunting and fishing--something all 
Coloradans can relate to. Our prayers are certainly with Sergeant 
Moreno's family and with the families of those in the other vehicle. I 
also offer my sincere condolences to the entire Las Animas County 
Sheriff's Department. The officers have not just lost a fellow officer 
but a brother.
  All of the officers whom we lost this year were neighbors, beloved 
family members, and extraordinary Coloradans who gave their lives to 
protect their communities. Although the need is great, so few of us are 
blessed with the level of bravery and courage shown each and every day 
by the men and women in law enforcement.
  As we all enjoy the warmth of this holiday season, law enforcement 
officers around the country will stand guard in cold and uncertain 
streets. This includes the selfless men and women who serve right here 
in the U.S. Capitol, who work through the holidays to ensure that every 
American who visits the Nation's Capitol can do so safely. It is 
important that we keep them in our thoughts as we gather with family 
and friends this holiday season to celebrate.
  I would also like to take a moment to thank the families of these 
brave men and women whose sacrifices must not be forgotten. They endure 
time apart from their loved ones so that families, like millions across 
this country, will know peace and security during their holiday 
celebrations.
  When thinking about the brave men and women who defend that thin blue 
line, I am always reminded of the words of LTC Dave Grossman, who said, 
``American law enforcement is the loyal and brave sheepdog--always 
standing watch for the wolf that lurks in the dark.'' It is my hope 
that the thoughts and prayers we all offer to those who wear the blue 
uniform will bring them comfort as they carry out this solemn duty. I 
am thankful for their service and thankful to their families for their 
continued sacrifice.
  I am also reminded of the words of Joe Rice, a former State 
legislator in Colorado, with whom I served. He served multiple tours in 
Iraq and Afghanistan and wrote how he prays for his fellow soldiers and 
their safety each and every day by saying and praying:

       For all of those around the world in harm's way, we pray 
     with you. Please God, just not today.

  Each and every day, we echo that same prayer.
  Thank you to the men and women in blue.
  I also thank my colleague from New Jersey, Senator Menendez, for 
allowing me to speak out of turn. I greatly appreciate it.
  I thank the Presiding Officer for taking the Chair.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Gardner). The Senator from New Jersey.

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