[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 63 (Thursday, April 11, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2404-S2405]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



          Honoring State Patrol Corporal Daniel Howard Groves

  Mr. GARDNER. Madam President, I rise today to honor an officer of the 
Colorado State Patrol who was killed in the line of duty on March 13.
  As other Members of this Chamber know, many parts of the country were 
hit hard by a bomb cyclone storm system last month. Again today, we are 
going through another spring storm. That storm caused flooding in much 
of the Midwest, as we have seen across the national news, and extremely 
hazardous road conditions in my State, which led to thousands of 
stranded drivers.
  State Patrol Corporal Daniel Howard Groves, like many first 
responders that day, was attempting to aid a driver in the Eastern 
Plains of Colorado on I-76 who had slid off the road, and he was struck 
by a passing vehicle.
  Corporal Groves was 52 years old. He leaves behind a large and loving 
family, including his parents, his partner Eddie, his four siblings, 
and many more. We know that his family will continue to honor his 
sacrifice and ensure that his legacy lives on.
  Corporal Groves joined the Colorado State Patrol in 2007 after 
leaving a career in the technology services industry in Chicago. His 
family and friends remember him as a man with a tremendous capacity to 
love and care for others. He was a man of humor who wasn't afraid to 
crack a joke just to make people smile. According to a fellow officer, 
he once arrived at training wearing pajamas instead of the required 
police sweats.
  At a memorial service honoring his life, a longtime friend spoke 
about the encouragement and advice that Dan was known for. He always 
encouraged others to follow their dreams, no matter how big. He often 
spoke of the importance of family and friendship and the need to make 
time to enjoy life with others.

[[Page S2405]]

  His fellow officers remembered him as a man who was drawn to service 
because of his desire to help, someone who always knew the risks 
inherent in the job but never let that deter him from doing what needed 
to be done.
  One colleague who spoke at the memorial remembered Corporal Groves as 
someone who frequently asked, where do you need me to be? He always 
wanted to be in the spot where he could be most effective, no matter 
the danger involved.
  Even on the morning of March 13, as the weather was taking a turn for 
the worse, Corporal Groves knew there were drivers on the road who 
needed his help, and, as many law enforcement officers did that day, he 
bravely ventured out to offer assistance. This quality makes for a 
great law enforcement officer but is sadly the quality that we most 
often take for granted.
  We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Dan and to all first 
responders who are willing to put their lives on the line to assist 
those in times of need and a debt of gratitude to their families as 
well.
  I know my colleagues in the Senate will join me in offering our 
thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Corporal Groves and 
all those who defend that thin blue line.
  As I have done too many times in this Chamber, I remember the words 
of LTC Dave Grossman, who said: ``American law enforcement is the loyal 
and brave sheep dog, always standing watch for the wolf that lurks in 
the dark.''
  I drive by the spot where Corporal Groves was killed at least two or 
three times a week, and he will always be in my prayers, along with his 
family, for his sacrifice.
  It is my hope that the thoughts and prayers that we offer to those 
who wear the blue uniform will bring them comfort as they carry out 
their solemn duties.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Scott of Florida). Without objection, it 
is so ordered.