[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 149 (Thursday, September 15, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E938]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF OFFICER BLAIZE MADRID-EVANS

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                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 15, 2022

  Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I rise today with an aching in my heart 
as Missouri's Fifth Congressional District marks a somber occasion. I 
rise to honor and celebrate the life of Officer Blaize Alyxander 
Madrid-Evans, a 22-year-old member of the Independence Police 
Department who was killed one year ago today while responding to a 
call. Independence lost an incredible young man who wished to dedicate 
his life to protecting and serving everyday people as a police officer. 
Today, on this painful anniversary, we reflect on the selflessness and 
courage that Officer Madrid-Evans displayed throughout his 22 years of 
life.
  Blaize Madrid-Evans was born on June 2, 1999 in North Kansas City, 
Missouri. Blaize grew up in Kansas City up until his senior year of 
high school. In 2018, he graduated from Smithville High School. He then 
began working for the American Medical Response (AMR) as an Emergency 
Responder, where he remained for nearly two years. In July 2021, Blaize 
graduated from the Police Academy and started his tour with the 
Independence Police Department. Sadly, Officer Madrid-Evans' tour would 
last only two months.
  Officer Madrid-Evans is remembered as being a sharp-dressed coffee 
connoisseur who loved going out to eat, playing computer games, and 
putting Sriracha on all sorts of foods. Blaize was an organ donor, and 
in the year since his passing, he has saved seven lives and enhanced 
another thirty-seven. Through the donation of his corneas, skin, 
muscles, tendons, bones, and other tissues, the Midwest Transplant Team 
estimates that Blaize will impact the lives of up to seventy-five 
people. In one instance, Blaize's kidney was donated to a fellow police 
officer in Springfield, Missouri who was critically injured in the line 
of duty. Even after ending his watch, Blaize has continued to make his 
charitable presence felt through acts of service and sacrifice. 
Blaize's life came to an end far too soon, but in his death, he has 
bestowed the gift of life upon others. He would not want it any other 
way. He was a beloved son, brother, fiance, friend, and police officer. 
According to his family, Blaize was loving, kind, respectful, and 
brought joy to all those who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a 
bright light in his loved ones' lives and has been missed terribly this 
past year.
  On September 15, 2021, a tragedy occurred, and Blaize's life was cut 
short by an act of senseless, indescribable violence. When news broke 
that Officer Madrid-Evans had passed away, all of the Greater Kansas 
City Area grieved alongside his family, friends, and fellow officers. 
As we spend this day in loving remembrance, I keep all those who had 
the privilege of knowing Blaize Madrid-Evans in my thoughts and 
prayers. As I have been told, to know Blaize was to love him, and I am 
deeply saddened to have never met this fine young man. I mourn with 
Blaize's long list of family and friends. No parent or grandparent 
should have to outlive their child or grandchild. I truly hope that the 
love and support that Independence and the surrounding areas have 
offered has brought some comfort into their lives. Blaize was so loved.
  Officer Madrid-Evans was awarded the highest form of recognition from 
the Independence Police Department, the Medal of Valor on March 25, 
2022. The medal is a profound honor given only to officers that display 
extraordinary acts of heroism and courage that go above and beyond the 
call of duty. Additionally, Officer Madrid-Evans was added to the 
Smithville Education Foundation's Wall of Fame in February of 2022. 
These tributes cannot heal the loss of Blaize, but they are symbols of 
gratitude for his distinguished service and boundless bravery.
  When tragedies like this occur, it is difficult to comprehend the 
loss we all feel. In times like these, I am called to Scripture. 
Matthew 5:1-3 says, ``Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the 
kingdom of heaven. 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 Madrid-Evans' family. Madam 
Speaker, please join me in honoring the life and everlasting legacy of 
Blaize Alyxander Madrid-Evans. Let us admire the fearlessness of 
Officer Blaize Madrid-Evans while never forgetting the sacrifice he 
made in the name of protecting others.

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