[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 139 (Friday, August 26, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E878]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF OFFICER DANIEL VASQUEZ

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                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 26, 2022

  Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart and an 
indescribable sadness. I rise, on behalf of Missouri's Fifth 
Congressional District, to honor and celebrate the life of Officer 
Daniel Vasquez. Our community has lost a remarkable man, one who 
dedicated his life to protecting and serving the people of North Kansas 
City as a police officer. Officer Vasquez was described by his 
colleagues as a ``shining star'' in the department, always working with 
a smile. He worked tirelessly to keep his hometown safe, putting his 
life on the line each and every day until making the ultimate sacrifice 
on July 19 of this year, when he was senselessly killed in the line of 
duty. Officer Vasquez was only 32 years old.
  Daniel was born on January 19, 1990, in North Kansas City. Daniel is 
the youngest of three children and the first of his Mexican-American 
family to be born in Kansas City. In his childhood, Daniel's carefree 
nature led to a variety of interests, ranging from playing the drums in 
church to tackling kids on the football field. In his adult life, 
Daniel's free time consisted of playing video games, going to the gym, 
and trying new restaurants. Officer Vasquez was a loving son, brother, 
fiance, uncle, and friend; he brought joy to all those who had the 
great fortune of knowing him.
  Officer Vasquez began his career in security with the Independence 
Avenue Community Improvement District, serving both Wyandotte County 
and Jackson County as an ``Avenue Angel.'' In 2019, Daniel continued 
his service by joining the Kansas City Missouri Police Department as a 
Detention Officer. Here, Officer Vasquez worked diligently each day in 
hopes of achieving his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer. 
After years of hard work and perseverance, Daniel joined the police 
force in January of 2021 and, after completing his training at the KCPD 
Regional Police Academy with Graduating Class No. 171, he was sworn 
into office. He embodied the highest standards of ethics each day as he 
devoted himself to making our community a safer, stronger, and better 
place to call home. Even with his short time on the force, those he 
worked with speak highly of Daniel and recount his positive attitude, 
cheerful spirit, and infectious smile.
  On July 19, 2022, a tragedy ensued, and Daniel's life was cut short 
by an act of unspeakable violence. When a police officer is slain in 
the line of duty, the whole community grieves. My thoughts and prayers 
go out to everyone who knew and loved Daniel Vasquez. With his passing, 
Daniel leaves behind a long list of loving family and friends. To his 
parents, Francisco and Guadalupe, I mourn with you. No parent should 
outlive their child. I hope that you may find some comfort in seeing 
the outpouring of love and support Daniel has received. The world now 
knows what's always been clear to you, that Daniel was a remarkable 
young man destined for great things.
  The highest form of recognition from the North Kansas City Police 
Department, The Medal of Valor, has since been bestowed upon Officer 
Vasquez. This tribute cannot begin to remedy the loss felt by those who 
knew Daniel, but it is a symbol of gratitude for his distinguished 
service and boundless bravery. While I did not have the good fortune of 
knowing Officer Vasquez personally, I have learned of his kind, 
compassionate, and dependable nature. Officer Vasquez went above and 
beyond the call of duty to protect his community and his service will 
never be taken for granted or forgotten. When tragedies like this 
occur, it is difficult to comprehend the loss we all feel. In times 
like these, I am called to Scripture. John 16:22 says, ``So with you: 
Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will 
rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.'' Let us find solace in 
the word of God and remember that we will be reunited, once more, in 
the Kingdom of Heaven.
  Today, my thoughts, and the thoughts of Missouri's Fifth 
Congressional District, are with Officer Vasquez and his family, as we 
illuminate his lifetime of service and sacrifice. Madam Speaker, please 
join me in honoring the life and legacy of Officer Daniel Vasquez. May 
his dedication to this community never be forgotten and may his memory 
continue to live on within us all. Let us admire the courageous nature 
of Officer Vasquez and face each day as he would, with a smile on our 
face and spirit in our heart.

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