[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 83 (Wednesday, May 17, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H2383-H2384]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING OUR POLICE OFFICERS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Louisiana (Ms. Letlow) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week we passed H. Res. 363 that 
I proudly introduced with Representative Michael Guest memorializing 
law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. I join 110 of my 
colleagues recognizing and commemorating the ultimate sacrifices made 
by our law enforcement officers.
  Honoring our officers is not just an act of appreciation, it is a 
fundamental

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responsibility of all citizens throughout this great Nation. Our police 
officers are the very sentinels who selflessly dedicate their lives in 
the pursuit of preserving the safety and security of the citizens they 
are committed to protecting. They stand as a brave shield between us 
and danger, strengthening the foundation of our communities and 
embodying the very best of our society.
  Today, I will take a moment to honor five courageous heroes from my 
home State of Louisiana who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of 
duty:
  Walter Soileau, Jr., with the Cameron Parish Sheriff's Department; 
Trey Copeland with the Cotton Valley Police Department; William 
Collins, Jr., with the Doyline Police Department; Nicholas Tullier with 
the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office; and Louis Estay with the 
St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office.
  I ask everyone to join me in praying for these officers and their 
families who put their lives on the line each day for every American. 
As we pay our respects and honor these brave heroes for their ultimate 
sacrifice, let us all commit to supporting and uplifting the women and 
men who wear the badge each day.
  Let us teach our children as well as future generations the critical 
mission that law enforcement personnel undertake in service to our 
beloved cities and our communities.
  Today, let us respect, let us honor, and let us remember these fallen 
heroes.


             Honoring State Representative Francis Thompson

  Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you to honor an extraordinary 
individual who has dedicated over 50 years of his life to public 
service in the great State of Louisiana. That person is my good friend, 
State representative Francis Thompson, the longest serving State 
legislator in Louisiana history and one of the longest serving in our 
country.
  Representative Thompson was born and raised in his hometown of Delhi, 
Louisiana, right in the heart of Richland Parish. Thompson was first 
elected to the Richland Parish School Board in 1968 before winning a 
special election for District 19 in the Louisiana House in 1975. Voters 
have re-elected Thompson 11 times since then, serving 12 years in the 
State senate and 37 years and counting in the statehouse.
  His unwavering commitment to north Louisiana and our State is 
remarkable. From the halls of the State legislature, Representative 
Thompson has been a strong and unwavering voice for north Louisiana. 
Throughout his distinguished career, he has championed crucial issues 
such as education, economic development, healthcare, and 
infrastructure, always striving to improve the lives of those whom he 
serves.
  Representative Thompson's leadership and experience have been 
invaluable in shaping legislation that addresses the unique challenges 
faced by Louisiana. His extensive knowledge and understanding of the 
intricacies of governance have earned him the respect of his peers and 
colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
  Mr. Speaker, not only his legislative achievements make 
Representative Thompson a remarkable public servant, as a former 
educator, he possesses a rare quality: the ability to connect with 
people on that personal level. Throughout the years, Representative 
Thompson has been a true friend to those whom he serves. He is known 
for his accessibility, his willingness to listen, and his genuine care 
and empathy has touched the hearts of so many, creating lasting bonds 
that will extend far beyond politics.
  As we reflect on Representative Thompson's lifelong commitment to 
public service, let us acknowledge his unwavering dedication to our 
great State of Louisiana. He is an exemplary leader, a tireless 
advocate, and a true champion for the people of north Louisiana.
  It is with great respect and gratitude that we acknowledge his 
remarkable contributions to Louisiana.

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