[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 46 (Friday, March 10, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE LIVES OF CORPORAL BENJAMIN COOPER AND OFFICER JAKE REED

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ERIC BURLISON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 10, 2023

  Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the lives of 
Corporal Benjamin Lee Cooper and Officer Jake Alexander Reed, who made 
the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in the line of duty to the 
Joplin community.
  Cpl. Cooper served his country as part of the U.S. Army for eight 
years and was stationed in Alaska and Hawaii during his service. 
Following his service in the military, he started a 19-year career in 
law enforcement beginning with the Joplin Police Department in 2003. He 
then served as a Sheriff's Deputy in Colorado, before ultimately 
returning to Joplin. Cpl. Cooper was an avid bowhunter, fisherman, and 
family man. He is survived by his wife and 2 daughters.
  Officer Reed graduated with Honors from MSSU and became a Joplin 
Police Officer upon graduation. Officer Reed served with the Joplin 
Police Department for five years. He loved gaming, mountain biking, 
golfing, and spending time with his family and friends. Officer Reed's 
commitment to service continues as he spread the gift of life to 
several recipients as a vital organ donor. He is survived by his wife.
  Both lives gone too soon, both lives we must remember forever. Their 
service to Joplin has left a lasting impact on our community and we owe 
them an eternal debt of gratitude.
  On behalf of Southwest Missouri, I join the Joplin community today in 
honoring their lives, memory, and lasting impact they will forever have 
on our community.

                          ____________________