[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 84 (Thursday, May 18, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1738-S1739]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO THE COVENANT SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE FIRST RESPONDERS

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. President, this National Police Week, along with 
my colleague Senator Hagerty, I would like to honor the unbelievably 
courageous officers of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.
  On March 27, a depraved individual attacked the Covenant School in 
Nashville, TN, and took the lives of 9-year-old Evelyn Dieckhaus, 9-
year-old Hallie Scruggs, 9-year-old William Kinney, substitute teacher 
Cynthia Peak, custodian Mike Hill, and Dr. Katherine Koonce. Just 
minutes after receiving the emergency call, a group of dedicated 
officers arrived on the scene and immediately rushed toward the danger. 
Their unflinching courage and decisive action under fire allowed them 
to eliminate the threat against this gentle community just minutes 
after it began and saved countless lives.
  Violence against children and their caretakers is an act of 
unspeakable evil that strikes at the heart of our purpose as parents, 
grandparents, neighbors, brothers and sisters in Christ, and community 
protectors. But even in the face of such tremendous loss, Nashvillians 
find comfort in the knowledge that uncommonly brave men and women have 
dedicated their lives to protecting us from harm. On behalf of all 
Tennesseans, I thank Officer Rex Engelbert, Detective Mike

[[Page S1739]]

Collazo, Detective Zachary Plese, Detective Ryan Cagle, and Detective 
Sergeant Jeffery Mathes for their incredible bravery on behalf of the 
students and teachers at The Covenant School. They showed true 
professionalism, courage, and selflessness--which is the very 
definition of heroism. I also recognize and honor Chief John Drake for 
his steady presence and clarity of mind on that terrible day.
  During times of overwhelming fear and uncertainty, the people of the 
Volunteer State look to their leaders not only for swift action but for 
comfort and reassurance. The brave men and women in blue who put their 
lives on the line every day to protect our communities deserve all the 
admiration, gratitude, and support we can offer, and I am so honored to 
represent them here in the U.S. Senate.
  Mr. HAGERTY. I thank Senator Blackburn.
  Mr. President, I join Senator Blackburn today to honor the heroic, 
lifessaving actions by Officer Rex Engelbert of Nashville, TN; 
Detective Michael Collazo of Smyrna, TN; Detective Sergeant Jeffery 
Mathes of Nashville, TN; Detective Ryan Cagle of Charlotte, TN; and 
Detective Zachary Plese of Nashville, TN. These dedicated officers 
showed exceptional courage by putting their lives on the line to save 
others.
  On March 27, 2023, an unspeakable tragedy took place at The Covenant 
School in Nashville, TN. A cowardly and depraved murderer's gruesome 
actions took six innocent lives--including those of three 9-year-old 
children. I join the families affected, the Nashville community, 
Tennesseans across our State, and millions of Americans in mourning 
this heartbreaking and outrageous act of evil.
  What is unmistakably clear is the incredible bravery and heroism of 
the first responders, who prevented this tragedy from being even worse.
  Officer Engelbert, Detective Collazo, Detective Sergeant Mathes, 
Detective Cagle, and Detective Plese, nobly and without hesitation, 
rushed into an active shooter situation at The Covenant School. 
Released body camera and surveillance footage shows that these officers 
confronted and eliminated the lethal threat within a mere 3 minutes.
  The rapid response and swift assessments of the emergency not only 
underscore the strength of their training, but also their bravery as 
they quickly entered the school despite obvious risks to their own 
safety. Their actions likely saved countless lives.
  I echo the words of Governor Bill Lee when I say, ``Gratitude doesn't 
begin to cover it.''
  Today, we honor the heroic actions of Officer Engelbert, Detective 
Collazo, Detective Sergeant Mathes, Detective Cagle, Detective Plese, 
and the other brave first responders who rushed to the aid of 
strangers, putting others before themselves that day. I join 
Tennesseans and all Americans to express our heartfelt gratitude.

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