[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 67 (Monday, April 22, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E482]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING GRACIE PARRISH, FOUNDER OF THE SHELTER FOUNDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JASON CROW

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 22, 2019

  Mr. CROW. Madam Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the 
achievements of Mrs. Gracie Parrish, who is being honored by The 
Chamber of Northwest Douglas County as a ``Woman Who Soars.''
  On December 31, 2017, Gracie was startled awake by `The Knock,' the 
nightmare of every law enforcement family member. Deputies proceeded to 
tell her that 29-year-old Deputy Zack Parrish, her husband of 8\1/2\ 
years and father to their 4-year-old Caroline and 18-month-old Everly, 
had been killed in the line of duty.
  Upon reflecting on her journey as a police officer's wife, she 
recognized the need for brotherhood and sisterhood among those who are 
directly affiliated with the law enforcement community. This led her to 
start The Shelter Foundation, a non-profit organization to guide and 
assist the families of law enforcement officers through the trials 
often associated with a law enforcement career.
  The foundation provides education to officers and their families, a 
protected and positive forum for social support, and a place for 
officers and their families to foster friendships and find community 
through like-minded social events and consistent connection. They 
firmly believe the best time to build a firm foundation is before 
tragedy strikes; however, if tragedy becomes reality, they will stand 
with those families.
  Described as a pillar of strength for inspiring others with her 
courage, poise and perseverance, there are few others deserving of such 
an honor. I congratulate Mrs. Parrish for receiving recognition as a 
``Woman Who Soars.''