[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 125 (Friday, July 16, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E764]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





HONORING SERGEANT PETER KOEPP, SERGEANT MARK LAINO, OFFICER CHRISTOPHER 
WATKINS, AND OFFICER BOBBY MEIS UPON RECEIVING THE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL 
                               OF BRAVERY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELAINE G. LURIA

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 16, 2021

  Mrs. LURIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Peter 
Koepp, Sergeant Mark Laino, Officer Christopher Watkins, and Officer 
Bobby Meis of the Virginia Beach Police Department upon receiving the 
Congressional Medal of Bravery for their heroic actions on May 31, 
2019.
  Like many in our community and around the nation, I was shocked and 
horrified to hear about the active shooter situation in Virginia 
Beach's municipal building that day. The four officers arrived 
separately at the hectic scene before converging toward the sound of 
gunfire. Together, they approached the assailant and bravely exchanged 
gunfire, during which Sergeant Koepp was struck by a bullet, receiving 
blunt trauma to his abdomen. The officers' positioning allowed city 
employees and citizens to evacuate the premises until SWAT officers 
arrived. Sadly, 12 individuals in the building lost their lives that 
day. Still, the heroism that Officers Koepp, Laino, Watkins, and Meis 
exhibited may have saved countless more.
  Knowing that they would enter a high-risk situation, each of these 
officers swiftly responded to the call to action. Our community is 
eternally grateful for their courage, and it is my privilege to 
celebrate these heroes as they receive this well-deserved honor.

                          ____________________