[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 148 (Wednesday, September 13, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING OFFICER URBANO RODRIGUEZ, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 13, 2023

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of 
Officer Urbano Rodriguez, Jr., a dedicated civil servant who is 
retiring from the Denton Police Department, having honorably served his 
community for over a decade.
  Prior to joining the Police Department, Urban, as he is fondly known, 
worked for over two years at the Denton Animal Shelter. During that 
time he bonded with one particular disabled dog, personally 
constructing a makeshift walking device that was equipped with wheels 
to a11ow the dog to walk freely. This act of compassion and needs-based 
service is symbolic of the character and calling that quickly led him 
to leave the shelter to become a Police recruit for the City in 2014.
  Upon completion of his training, Urban joined the front lines of the 
Denton Police Department as a part of the thin blue line protecting the 
public he had committed to serve. He knew from the outset that he 
belonged on the streets. Recognized as a ``go-getter'' with a strong 
work ethic, Urban quickly became a valued member of the Denton PD team. 
During his service he was involved in a number of notable traffic 
stops, including a large and unexpected confiscation of 
methamphetamine. Through the dedication and effort he and his shift 
partners brought to the streets, he helped disrupt a damaging delivery. 
protecting the community by preventing it from reaching its intended 
market.
  Urban was confronted with the full weight of his commitment when, on 
October 29, 2019, as a five-year veteran of the Denton Police 
Department, he was unexpectedly attacked and struck by multiple bullets 
from an assailant's weapon during a routine traffic stop. It was at 
that moment that Urban's inner strength and character were defined. 
Unimaginably, he survived the trauma, beginning the long, difficult 
path to become the walking miracle he is today.
  When many felt it unlikely that he would even leave the hospital, 
Urban's strength and resolve led him through a challenging 
rehabilitation process to not only leave the hospital bed, but push 
beyond the damage of his injuries to regain his strength and mobility 
to once again walk freely. An outcome that seemed a fantasy to those 
who saw him during his initial recovery less than four years ago, is a 
testament to the enthusiasm and determined work ethic he was known for 
when he joined the department.
  In his service commitment to the community he swore to protect, and 
through the courage he has shown through his recovery, Urban embodies 
the very essence of Texas values. Each day he is continuing to build 
the example for those who will follow in his footsteps.
  On behalf of a grateful community, I want to thank Urban Rodriguez 
for his service and example. I truly wish him the very best in a well-
deserved retirement and for the continued contribution I know he will 
make in his new role and as an inspiration for his children and all who 
hear of his story.

                          ____________________