[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 86 (Thursday, May 19, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                        HONORING LAW ENFORCEMENT

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. ANDY BIGGS

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 19, 2022

  Mr. BIGGS. Madam Speaker, this week a grateful nation honored law 
enforcement by celebrating National Police Week. My gratitude to our 
law enforcement professionals and their families cannot be overstated. 
Their sacrifices, in the defense of and service to our communities, are 
worthy of recognition and humble thanks.
  Those lost in the line of duty this past year from agencies within 
Arizona's Fifth Congressional District include:
  Maricopa County Sheriff's Deputy Juan Miguel Ruiz, End of Watch 
Monday, October 11, 2021
  Maricopa County Sheriff's Lieutenant Chad Owen Brackman, End of Watch 
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
  Maricopa County Detention Officer Kendall Leroy Thomas, End of Watch 
Friday, September 10, 2021
  Chandler Police Officer Lyndon Tyler Britt, End of Watch Monday, 
January 11, 2021
  Chandler Police Officer Jeremy Martin Wilkins, End of Watch Friday, 
December 17, 2021
  Chandler Police Officer Christopher Allan Farrar, End of Watch 
Friday, April 30, 2021
  To illustrate the bravery and selflessness of these men, I wish to 
share the account of Chandler Police Officer Farrar and Gilbert Police 
Officer Rico Aranda.
  Last year, deputies with the Pinal County Sheriff's Office were in 
pursuit of a known felon. Understanding full well that the suspect had 
already fired shots at the responding deputies and their lives may be 
in peril, Officer Farrar and Officer Aranda entered the pursuit. The 
suspect entered a car dealership in Chandler where he stole a truck. He 
then turned this vehicle against the officers, striking Officer Farrar 
and Officer Aranda, causing both to suffer critical injuries. Officer 
Farrar succumbed to his injuries, while Officer Aranda is still on the 
path to full recovery.
  While in the hospital, Officer Aranda was visited by his Chief and 
was asked about his future plans. The Chief expressed gratitude for his 
sacrifice and, knowing the long road ahead, told him there would be no 
shame if he decided to retire after this incident. Officer Aranda 
looked him in the eye and told him, ``Nah dawg, I'm gonna be Chief one 
day.''
  This is but one of countless examples of the bravery, dedication, and 
honor with which our law enforcement professionals serve. The people of 
Arizona's Fifth Congressional District are grateful. We stand with 
them. We support them. And we will always back the blue.

                          ____________________