[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 112 (Thursday, July 7, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E703]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM PETRY

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                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 7, 2022

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
one of Eastern Kentucky's fallen heroes, William Edward Petry, a 31-
year law enforcement veteran who was 1 of 3 officers killed in the line 
of duty in Allen, Kentucky.
  Petry served 14 years with the Prestonsburg Police Department and 15 
years with Kentucky State Police, earning the prestigious Post 9 
Trooper of the Year Award. Not long after his retirement, Petry was 
eager to continue his lifelong passion to serve and protect his 
community, leading him to the Floyd County Sheriff's Office where he 
dedicated his final two years of service. The best law enforcement 
officers will tell you that it isn't a job, it's a calling; and it was 
with great courage of conviction that Deputy Petry lived to protect the 
people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and especially those in Floyd 
County.
  President Theodore Roosevelt, who was a former commissioner of the 
New York City Police Department once said, ``No man is worth his salt, 
who is not ready at all times to risk his body, to risk his well-being, 
to risk his life in a great cause.'' On Thursday, June 30, 2022, Deputy 
Petry was the first officer to pay the ultimate sacrifice as he 
valiantly answered the call of duty to protect others in Floyd County.
  His heroic death was the greatest display of love described in John 
15:13, ``Greater love has no man than this: to lay down his life for 
his friends.''
  In a Nation where police forces have been vilified in recent years by 
the actions of a few bad actors, may Deputy Petry's life be a reminder 
of the outstanding integrity and sacrifice that the thin blue line 
represents. We must continue to support our law enforcement officers 
across the United States, ensuring they are fully equipped, adequately 
prepared, and never at the mercy of evildoers.
  Petry's entire life was dedicated to serving others, and not only 
with a police badge. He was also the current Fire Chief for the Martin 
Fire Department, a member of John W. Hall Mason Lodge No. 950 where he 
was Past Master, and a member of the Oleika Shriners Temple in 
Lexington, Kentucky.
  The Commonwealth of Kentucky owes a great debt of gratitude for the 
life and service of Deputy William Petry. Our thoughts and prayers are 
with his wife Sherry, their son Chase, daughter Courtney (Shane), their 
grandchildren, and the widespread band of brothers and sisters in 
uniform who served alongside Deputy Petry throughout his career.

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