[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 6 (Thursday, January 11, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H59]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
{time} 1030
HONORING SERGEANT PHILIP DALE NIX
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from
North Carolina (Ms. Manning) for 5 minutes.
Ms. MANNING. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today
to honor the late Sergeant Philip Dale Nix of the Greensboro Police
Department.
On December 30, Sergeant Nix, while off duty, was at a gas station,
where he saw three young people stealing several cases of beer. When he
approached the robbers' car, the 18-year-old thief shot Sergeant Nix
five times, killing him for over less than $100 worth of beer.
Dale Nix's loss is a tragedy that has been a terrible blow to
Greensboro and the Triad. Our entire community is grieving, from his
fellow officers and emergency responders, to those he helped at the
Guilford County Family Justice Center, to people across the city who,
like me, are shocked and saddened over the loss of this fine man.
Sergeant Nix joined the Greensboro Police Department in 2001, where
he served our community with distinction for 22 years. As mentioned at
our recent community vigil by so many of his colleagues, Sergeant Nix
was a standout leader. He went above and beyond in all his roles on the
force and was dedicated to justice and helping others.
In his 22 years on the force, Sergeant Nix served as a Criminal
Investigation Division detective, a patrol corporal, patrol sergeant,
team leader for the peer support team for 12 years, assistant team
leader of the GPD Honor Guard, and his latest assignment was as
detective sergeant of the Family Victims Unit, where he worked closely
with the Family Justice Center, helping victims of crimes, particularly
women and children, who were the victims of domestic violence.
As Catherine Johnson, who runs the Family Justice Center, said at the
vigil, Dale Nix had an extraordinary ability to connect with people,
especially people in pain. He was able to work so well with the victims
of crimes because he listened to them. He gained their trust. They knew
he would fight for them because they knew he cared.
The impact Sergeant Nix made on families in Greensboro is
incalculable. The stories have poured in from people he impacted,
stories that have been both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Here was a
man who was devoted to others, a man who made a real difference, whose
ability to help those in need was cut far too short.
In addition to his valiant service to our community, Dale Nix was a
beloved husband and father, a true family man. At this difficult time,
my heart breaks for his wife, son, parents, and his entire family. I
share my condolences with the Greensboro Police Department, the fire
department, the 911 emergency center, those at the Family Justice
Center, and all who served with him.
Sergeant Nix was a man of integrity, family, and service. He
protected the innocent, advocated for victims, and made a difference in
countless lives. It is truly tragic that, while Sergeant Nix dedicated
his career to preventing crimes and helping victims, he lost his life
to violent criminals.
As a Member of Congress and a member of the Greensboro community, I
am outraged by the act of senseless violence that stole Sergeant Nix's
life. I will continue to use my role in Congress and in my community to
work towards solutions that will stop this painful cycle of violence
that has claimed far too many innocent lives.
I know that Sergeant Nix's legacy will live on. He will long be
remembered as a father, a husband, a man of integrity and service, an
advocate, a true hero, and a pillar of justice in Greensboro, North
Carolina.
May his memory be a blessing to all.
____________________