[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 16 (Friday, January 25, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S679]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                REMEMBERING DEIDRE ``DEE DEE'' MENGEDOHT

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, it is my sad duty today to pay tribute 
to a fallen Kentucky hero, Louisville Metro Police Department Detective 
Deidre Mengedoht. Dee Dee, as her friends called her, was tragically 
killed in the line of duty on Christmas Eve. Her family and our 
community are left to mourn this painful loss and to recognize her 
incredible service to Louisville.
  A graduate of Eastern High School and the University of Louisville, 
Detective Mengedoht chose to dedicate her life to the service of her 
community. In 2011, she joined the LMPD's training academy. Since the 
day she took her oath, Detective Mengedoht proved herself worthy of the 
trust placed in her. With real love for the community under her 
protection, she worked as a beat officer before earning the rank of 
detective.
  For 7 and a half years, Detective Mengedoht served the department and 
the people of Louisville. She quickly gained the respect of her 
colleagues, who recognized a passion for law enforcement and for 
community engagement. According to those who had the privilege to know 
her, Detective Mengedoht displayed the attributes of a true public 
servant. Police Chief Steve Conrad said she ``would fight tirelessly to 
seek justice for victims whose cases she was investigating.'' In her 
important work for the city of Louisville, Detective Mengedoht would 
always give more of herself than was asked.
  While families throughout Kentucky and the Nation celebrated 
Christmas Eve, Detective Mengedoht was at her post, protecting the 
community. That afternoon, she conducted a traffic stop, a routine 
procedure for any member of law enforcement. Tragedy struck without 
warning as a semi-truck hit her police cruiser. Detective Mengedoht was 
killed at the scene,
  The heartbreaking incident left the community shaken. The LMPD lost a 
critical member of its force, and Detective Mengedoht's family--
especially her 9-year-old son, Preston, will never be the same. Almost 
immediately, expressions of condolences and support poured into the 
city. Downtown, the city hall clock shone with a blue light, in honor 
of the incredible sacrifice our men and women of law enforcement 
undertake each and every day to protect the public. The Louisville 
Metro Police Foundation also established a fund in Detective 
Mengedoht's name to support her family.
  At a funeral service filled with tributes to her character, bravery, 
and integrity, the Kentucky State Police volunteered to take over the 
shifts of her colleagues so they could attend. More than 3,000 law 
enforcement officers traveled from around the Commonwealth and the 
Nation to join the LMPD in saluting Detective Mengedoht. Even in the 
rain, hundreds of Kentuckians lined the streets to pay their respects.
  To Detective Mengedoht's family, including her brothers and sisters 
at the LMPD and her parents, her sister, and Preston, I would like to 
extend my sincere condolences. Her sacrifice bestows great honor onto 
all those who wear the LMPD uniform. During this difficult time, Elaine 
and I hope that the memories of Detective Mengedoht's life and her 
selfless service can provide much-needed comfort. It is my privilege to 
remember Detective Deidre Mengedoht's exemplary service to the people 
of Louisville, and I ask that my Senate colleagues join me in honoring 
this Kentucky hero.

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