[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 109 (Thursday, June 27, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S4610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING WILLIAM MODEN

  Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, I rise today to honor an officer of the 
Colorado State Patrol whose watch tragically came to an end earlier 
this month when he was killed in the line of duty.
  On June 14, 2019, Trooper William Moden was responding to an accident 
that occurred on I-70 in Deer Trial, CO. He was doing what he did every 
day--responding to an incident and giving a helping hand to Coloradans 
in need. He was assisting the passengers of a vehicle who were involved 
in a crash--one of whom was an 18-month-old child--when he was struck 
by a passing vehicle.
  Like too many of our Nation's law enforcement officers, Trooper Moden 
gave his life while protecting and serving others.
  William Moden was 37 years old and had served in the Colorado State 
Patrol for 12 years. His fellow troopers remember him as someone whose 
uniform was always perfect and whose boots were always polished. There 
is no doubt for any of them that he was meant to serve and that he did 
so with the utmost honor and dignity.
  While Trooper Moden carried out his duties with seriousness, his 
friends and loved ones remember him as someone with a tremendous sense 
of humor. At a memorial service held last week, he was described as 
having an infectious laugh--a laugh that was usually the loudest in the 
room. Many at the service remembered the time he put on a dog's shock 
collar just to see how it felt and to make others laugh. These are the 
kinds of memories his loved ones will remember forever.
  Just as he answered when his Coloradans called, his friends and 
family say he was someone who could always be counted on. He was 
reliable, dependable, and they often described him as their ``knight in 
shining armor''--someone who is always there to provide care and 
comfort. The chief of the Colorado State Patrol, Colonel Matt Packard, 
described William Moden as ``the true personification of what it means 
to be a Colorado State Trooper.''
  At the memorial service last week, Trooper Moden was awarded the 
title of ``Master Trooper''--a rank given only to those who show great 
leadership and character. To those who knew him, William completely 
exemplified these characteristics and is certainly deserving of this 
high honor.

  We know we can never pay the debt of gratitude owed to people like 
William Moden, who risk their lives every day to ensure their 
communities are safe. The best we can offer is to never forget and to 
continue to celebrate the lives of those who sacrifice everything.
  I know my Senate colleagues will join me in mourning the loss of 
Trooper Moden and all those who have given their lives in defending the 
thin blue line.
  So for the second time this year, I come to the floor of the U.S. 
Senate and 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 hope the outpouring of love and support that Trooper Moden's family 
and friends have received in the past few weeks bring them a small bit 
of comfort.
  To Trooper Moden's family and loved ones, our State thanks you for 
your service, sacrifice, and willingness to share William with the 
people of Colorado.
  Thank you.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from New Jersey.

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