[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 83 (Wednesday, May 17, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H2385-H2386]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        REMEMBERING OFFICERS KENNETH C. JONES AND EDWARD STEWART

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Ohio (Mrs. Sykes) for 5 minutes.

[[Page H2386]]

  

  Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, in 1962, President John F. Kennedy put forth 
a joint resolution recognizing Peace Officers Memorial Day as May 15. 
On May 15 of this year, the Nation came together to pause and recognize 
officers who have been killed in the line of duty.
  Two of those officers who were recognized are from Ohio's 13th 
Congressional District and served honorably in the Akron Police 
Department. Those officers, Kenneth ``Kenny'' Jones and Officer Edward 
Stewart, affectionately known as Stew, were both recognized on May 15 
of this year.
  Officer Kenny Jones was a dedicated officer who selflessly served 
Akron and protected our citizens with courage and commitment. Officer 
Jones was a lifelong Akron resident who attended Garfield High School 
and the University of Akron.
  A graduate of the Akron Police Academy, Officer Jones was with the 
Akron Police Department for nearly 26 years.
  Officer Jones exemplified the very essence of what it means to be a 
public servant. Day in and day out, he served his community, embodying 
the values of integrity, honor, and duty.

  Officer Jones went above and beyond to build bridges of trust and 
understanding within the Akron community. His colleagues noted that he 
always had a smile on his face, and he would even pray for and with 
strangers he served in the community.
  Officer Jones was also a leader to his fellow officers, who looked up 
to him not only because he was a towering 6-foot-5, but because he 
served as a role model for how to treat people with respect and 
kindness.
  Sadly, Officer Jones' life was tragically cut short. This unexpected 
loss reminds us of the sacrifices our law enforcement officers make, 
often facing unforeseen dangers and enduring stress while on the job.
  On behalf of the entire Ohio 13th Congressional District community, I 
extend my deepest condolences to Officer Jones' family, his friends, 
and his colleagues. His unwavering service and dedication will forever 
be remembered, and the joy he brought to the community will never be 
forgotten.
  Officer Edward Stewart, affectionately known as Stew, was a longtime 
veteran of the Akron Police Department who also dedicated his life to 
humbly protecting and serving the people of Akron.
  Officer Stewart began his career as a civilian employee in 1993 
before pursuing his passion and joining the police academy in 1993, as 
well. After graduating from the academy, Officer Stewart served the 
community as a transport wagon officer for his entire career.
  Officer Stewart embodied the essence of public service as someone who 
was always willing to step up and assist those in need, whether that be 
his fellow officers or members of the community.
  Officer Stewart, sadly, passed away in 2020, one of too many 
exceptional frontline responders who were lost after contracting COVID-
19 in the line of duty.
  I was able to speak with Officer Stewart's wife, Lisa, this week to 
offer my sincere condolences on behalf of the entire Ohio 13th 
Congressional District.
  Lisa shared that Officer Stewart was a loving husband, father, and 
grandfather whose intelligence and thirst for knowledge was admired by 
his family, friends, and colleagues.
  Officer Stewart's selfless acts of public service will never be 
forgotten, and we will continue to uphold his legacy by continuing to 
work toward a safer community and safer future for all.
  Both of these officers left behind families, a community, and loved 
ones who truly respected and cared for them. On behalf of Ohio's 13th 
Congressional District, I extend my sincere and deepest condolences to 
those who loved them, those who cared for them, and those who will miss 
seeing them every single day.
  Peace Officer Memorial Day is an opportunity for us to stop and pause 
to remember those who lost their lives in the line of duty and thank 
them for their never-ending service to our communities.
  We thank Officer Stewart and Officer Jones. May their memory be a 
blessing.

                          ____________________