[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 113 (Thursday, June 18, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING IOWA LAW ENFORCEMENT AS IOWANS OF THE WEEK

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                           HON. CYNTHIA AXNE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 18, 2020

  Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, National Police Week is a time for Iowans 
and people across the U.S. to celebrate local law enforcement officers 
who serve and protect our communities, and to honor the fallen heroes 
who lost their lives in the line of duty. These brave men and women in 
uniform have dedicated their lives to essential public service, and 
some have given the ultimate sacrifice. The COVID-19 pandemic may delay 
public ceremonies to recognize these individuals, but we can still take 
time this week to remember those we have lost, share our support for 
their loved ones, and thank those who continue to serve.
  Law enforcement officers do far more than safeguard our lives and 
property. Today, community policing involves officers working in 
partnership with organizations and neighborhoods to create safer 
spaces. Not only are police responding to calls for help and providing 
support on the street, they're also in our schools teaching kids how to 
make good choices so they can continue on a path toward success. There 
is no shortage of stories of officers from my district going above and 
beyond on the job.
  In late March as the community closed up shop to slow the spread of 
COVID-19, the Creston Police Department covered its front doors and 
windows in a display of colorful paper hearts as a symbol of hope for 
Iowans during this trying time.
  Earlier this month Des Moines Police Sgt. Paul Parizek spent National 
Teacher Appreciation Week visiting multiple educators and school 
support staff at home and at work to thank them for their service to 
our kids. During the same stretch of time, Sgt. Andrew Phipps from Des 
Moines PD visited 90-year-old Earl, a fellow veteran, on his birthday 
to share in the socially distanced celebration.
  Waukee Police Department's Sgt. Hector Arias and Officer Gilchrist 
have been lending a helping hand passing out free Waukee Community 
School District Grab & Go Meals and devices to help students 
participate in virtual learning from home.
  Just before schools moved to distance learning this spring, Council 
Bluffs Police Chief Tim Carmody visited Mrs. Nickerson's class of first 
graders at Rue Elementary School to participate in the Read Across 
America Program. Having recently welcomed Officer Deana Roth and 
Officer Meghan Thomson to the force, Chief Carmody is now leading his 
team in important efforts like educating the public on how to identify 
and avoid door-to-door sales scams during the Coronavirus outbreak.
  Our police officers' contributions to our community don't end at 
handing out meals and spending time in the classroom. Faced with the 
additional health risks presented by this pandemic, our police officers 
continue to exhibit honor and bravery by serving their neighbors. They 
go to work knowing they could come face-to-face with Coronavirus, and 
that it is only one of the challenges they encounter while on duty. 
Because of their dedication and sacrifice, it is my pleasure to honor 
members of central and southwest Iowa's law enforcement community by 
nominating them as our Iowans of the Week.

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