[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 81 (Thursday, May 12, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E495]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING SGT. NICK TULLIER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GARRET GRAVES

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 12, 2022

  Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, our hearts are heavy. Nearly 
six years ago, there was an attack on our community.
  The attack was designed to be divisive--to rip our community apart. 
It did not work. Evil was overcome by the goodness--the Godliness--in 
our community, our state and the nation. Evil did not take hold.
  Rather, we came together to support the six peacekeepers shot in the 
line of duty after answering the call.
  The reports on Deputy Nick Tullier were not good. We heard over and 
over again from the doctors and nurses, that he wouldn't make it 
another hour, another day, another week--that he couldn't make it. None 
of them knew Nick. He had more work to do, or as the men and women in 
blue refer to it, it was not yet the ``end of watch'' for Nick.
  At Tiger Stadium the other night, Garth Brooks put it another way: 
Nick ``had more dance to share.'' God had more work for Nick to do here 
on earth.
  Against all odds, Nick fought like hell for 2,119 days. He was 
absolutely immersed in the love of his family, old friends, new friends 
and complete strangers. Blue and black bracelets labeled ``Pray for 
Nick'' or ``Nick Tullier Strong'' popped up all over. Even President 
Trump signed onto to ``Team Nick.''
  God has now summoned Deputy Tullier among the peacekeepers that have 
finished their last call. He's on a different patrol with Corp. 
Montrell Jackson, BRPD, Officer Matthew Gerald, and Deputy Brad 
Garafola, EBRSO.
  Mary and James' constant presence and endurance demonstrated the 
boundless and unending love of a mother and father. Nick knows he was 
loved and countless parents in our community and around the world are 
inspired by their overflowing love and support of their son.
  Trenton and Gage's father's two decades wearing the badge made our 
community safer. He certainly did not do it for the money. Our 
community benefited from his sacrifice. Nick's life embodies a 
servant's heart. They should be inspired by the life he lived as a 
peacekeeper.
  Jamie and Shannon's brother was a machine. His physical workouts and 
fitness were impressive. I can only guess that he must have beat the 
heck out of them growing up. I hope they cherish those memories of the 
time growing up with their brother and don't make him come back and 
knock them in line again. Seriously, they are charged with ensuring 
Nick's passing does not create a void on earth.
  I hope that all of Nick's family, friends and supporters know that 
his legacy will be felt beyond his time among us. On July 17, 2016 and 
the weeks following, we did not allow evil to take hold. Rather than 
giving in, we came together and rose up. We united against evil and 
came together for what was good and what was right. Much of that coming 
together has died down or subsided for us.
  For the past six years, Nick's fight never died. Every day, with the 
support of his family, he continued. He persevered.
  Just because Nick returned to the Father, just because it is the end 
of watch for Nick Tullier--the fight is not over.
  Nick taught us that we can overcome all odds. Nick made clear that 
miracles are possible. Just as we united against the forces of evil six 
years ago, we can continue to be inspired by Nick's enormous heart. We 
can be inspired by his parent's incredible dedication.
  Let us honor Nick by continuing to work together against the evil 
that is trying to take hold, trying to get traction in our community. 
Let's rise up and support our peacekeepers, back the blue--and, Sheriff 
Gautreaux, the green too. We are better than this.
  Garth Brooks went on to sing that, ``I could have missed the pain, 
but I'da had to miss the dance.'' As tough as today is, anyone that 
came into to contact with Nick would agree that the dance was worth it.
  Louisiana and America would be less safe without our men and women in 
blue.
  We will remain Nick Tullier Strong. God bless.

                          ____________________