[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 92 (Friday, May 15, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E451]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING OUR OFFICERS DURING NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. GILBERT RAY CISNEROS, JR.

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 15, 2020

  Mr. CISNEROS. Madam Speaker, established by a joint resolution of 
Congress in 1961 and authorized by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, 
National Peace Officers Memorial Day was proclaimed on May 15th. The 
proclamation further established the calendar week of May 15th as 
National Police Week.
  National Police Week honors the heroic and selfless devotion of our 
peace officers to our country. It is a time to honor those who make 
sacrifices year-round, missing weekends, holidays, and family events to 
serve their communities. It is also a sacred time as we honor the 
fallen men and women in law enforcement who have laid down their lives 
in the line of duty to protect others.
  This week we are humbled by the challenges they face and the profound 
sacrifices that they make. Despite the daily adversity officers face, 
their dedication to protect the rule of law and their communities 
remains unwavering. Even in times of grave danger and uncertainty, such 
as the current Covid-19 pandemic, our nations' police officers were 
some of the first to stand ready to serve and protect the citizens of 
their communities.
  The spirit of National Police Week is exemplified by those whose 
actions reflect courage, sacrifice, and selflessness. I am honored to 
rise today and recognize several individuals who bravely serve the 
residents of California's 39th District. Serving the Cities of Walnut 
and Diamond Bar I'd like to honor Lieutenant Tomas Giandomenico, a 30-
year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department and an Army 
Veteran, Sergeant Paul Parkhurst, who has served since 2006, and Deputy 
Jesse Acuna who has served since 2010. From the Fullerton Police 
Department, I would like to recognize, Sergeant Ryan O'Neil, who has 
served our community since 2008. From the Chino Hill's Sheriffs 
Station, I would like to honor Deputy Ed Hernandez, Deputy Eileen 
Negron, and Deputy Tony Ortega for the daily sacrifices that they make 
to keep our citizens safe.
  These deputies have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Not only 
serving their community while in uniform, but also using their personal 
time to help those in need. Lieutenant Giandomenico and Deputy Acuna 
help disadvantaged youth in Kenya at the School of Angels, a school 
they founded to provide over 100 children a safe place to gain 
educational opportunities. Sergeant Parkhurst, a Marine combat veteran, 
helps transitioning veterans who are returning from active duty adjust 
to civilian life in the Los Angeles Sheriffs Departments, Vets to Vets 
program.
  Madam Speaker, I urge you and my other distinguished colleagues to 
join me in commending these heroes: Lieutenant Tomas Giandomenico, 
Sergeant Paul Parkhurst, Sergeant Ryan O'Neil, Deputy Jesse Acuna, 
Deputy Ed Hernandez, Deputy Eileen Negron, Deputy Tony Ortega, as well 
as all law enforcement officers, past, and present that make our 
country, and my District such a special place.

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