[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 118 (Tuesday, July 11, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S2305]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





       TRIBUTE TO OFFICER NICKOLAS WILT AND OFFICER CORY GALLOWAY

  Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, across our Nation, thousands of law 
enforcement officers make great sacrifices to preserve our freedoms and 
keep the peace. These law enforcement officers not only serve at great 
risk but also start every shift with a sense of uncertainty.
  On April 10, 2023, Louisville, KY, was fortunate to have two heroes 
respond to the call of duty. A gunman began shooting innocent citizens 
at the Old National Bank and took the lives of five individuals. Within 
minutes of being dispatched, Officer Nickolas Wilt and his training 
officer Officer Cory Galloway were the first to arrive on the scene. 
Officer Wilt was on his 10th day of patrol following his graduation 
from the academy. But the actions of Officer Wilt were that of a 
seasoned veteran.
  Without hesitation, the two officers left the cover of their patrol 
car and approached the bank while the shooter fired at them with a 
rifle. Body camera video shows the officers acted with remarkable 
heroism, bravery, and dedication to save innocent lives. Knowing that 
each passing second could result in further loss of innocent lives, 
Officers Wilt and Galloway proceeded toward the gunman. Officer 
Galloway was struck by rifle rounds in his ballistic vest, causing him 
to be knocked to the ground and seek cover from further gunshots. 
During this time, Officer Wilt was struck in the head by one of the 
assailant's rounds.
  At this point, disregarding his own safety, Officer Galloway 
proceeded back toward the gunman and was able to eliminate the threat 
as he continued taking fire. Officer Galloway continued into the bank 
through the shot-out windows and told other responding officers to care 
for Officer Wilt, who was critically injured.
  Today, I stand to honor Officer Nickolas Wilt and Officer Cory 
Galloway, as well as a multitude of fellow officers, fire, and 
emergency medical personnel who responded to this chaotic scene. Each 
of them displayed the true meaning of service before self. The actions 
of these individuals as well as the dispatchers taking the frantic 
calls, saved countless lives, including the life of Officer Wilt.
  May the actions of each responder be forever remembered as a clear 
display of heroism in action.

                          ____________________