[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 135 (Friday, August 12, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E844-E845]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF DEPUTY ANDREW PEERY

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                           HON. DOUG LAMBORN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 12, 2022

  Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Congressman 
Kevin McCarthy and myself, to honor the life of El Paso County Sheriff 
Deputy Andrew Peery. Deputy Peery was tragically killed in the line of 
duty on August 7, 2022, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
  Andrew Peery was born in Frazier Park, California, on December 12, 
1982, to parents David and Sandy Peery. He graduated from Frazier 
Mountain High School in 2001.
  After graduating, Andrew joined the United States Army. He became 
part of the prestigious 173rd Airborne Unit based out of Vicenza, 
Italy, where he served as an 11B Infantryman. Andrew and his platoon 
were some of the first boots on the ground during the airborne assault 
into Iraq in March of 2003. He later served with the 4th Infantry 
Division at Fort Carson, Colorado.
  While in the Army, Andrew held a top-secret clearance, developing and 
executing over 600 operations to maintain foreign relations in support 
of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Andrew Peery served three tours of duty in 
Iraq. During the first two tours, he was a sniper.
  A decorated veteran, Andrew was awarded seven Army Commendation 
Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, and a Meritorious Service Medal 
for his service. Andrew medically retired from the Army as a Staff 
Sergeant in 2013.
  Andrew then returned to Bakersfield, California, to work as a police 
officer and served in the Gang Unit for the Bakersfield Police 
Department from 2013 until 2016. While at the Bakersfield Police 
Department, Andrew received a commendation for his life-saving efforts 
helping a stabbing victim. He also volunteered over 100 hours of his 
time for the California Special Olympics.
  In November of 2016, Andrew was hired on with the El Paso County 
Sheriff's Office as a lateral transfer from the Bakersfield Police 
Department. He was assigned to the midnight shift on patrol and later 
transferred to the Tactical Support Unit, becoming a part of the 
auxiliary SWAT team. After becoming a full-time SWAT Team member, 
Deputy Peery served as the Sniper Team Leader. Additionally, Andrew was 
assigned to the Gang Unit, served

[[Page E845]]

as a Field Training Officer, a Firearms Instructor, and a Close Quarter 
Battle Instructor.
  During his time at the El Paso County Sheriffs Office, Andrew was 
awarded numerous commendations, including five letters of appreciation, 
three Coins of Excellence, two Distinguished Service Awards, two 
Commander Citations, and a Leadership Award.
  Andrew met his wife, Meghan, a schoolteacher, in November of 2004 in 
Colorado Springs. They were married in July of 2005. Together, they 
have two children, Matthew and Amy. Andrew was passionate about 
mountain biking, music, and spending time with his family and friends. 
According to his wife Meghan, ``Andrew was an adrenaline junky.'' He 
loved watching his son, Matthew, run cross-country and track and 
supported Amy as she pursued gymnastics. Matthew shares a love of 
mountain biking with his father. Andrew deeply loved his family, his 
community, and our great nation.
  Andrew is survived by the love of his life, his wife Meghan; his 
children Matthew and Amy; his mother Sandy Peery; his siblings Matthew 
Peery (Chelsea), Mark Peery (Gabriela), Donovan Peery, and Sarah 
(Peery) Beagley (Brad); and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in 
death by his brother Davey Peery; and his father, David, who served 
over 20 years with the Los Angeles Police Department and later as an 
investigator with the Kern County District Attorney's Office.
  Andrew was a great asset to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office and 
the Bakersfield Police Department and showed his commitment to the 
department with enthusiasm and dedication. He is remembered as a man of 
principle and honor who served both his community and his country 
heroically.
  Madam Speaker, we ask our colleagues in Congress to join us in 
mourning the loss of El Paso County Sheriff Deputy Andrew Peery and in 
standing with the Thin Blue Line.
  Deputy Andrew Peery, No. 16120, end of watch, August 7, 2022.

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