[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 13, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H573-H574]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DEPUTY GREG McCOWAN

  (Mr. BURCHETT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a true American hero who 
gave his life while keeping my community safe.
  On Thursday, February 8, a violent criminal opened fire during a 
traffic stop. He put Blount County Deputy Shelby Eggers in the hospital 
and killed Deputy Greg McCowan who was 43 years old.
  McCowan was known for being a loving man and a brave officer. His 
family was the light of his life, Mr. Speaker, and he loved them 
dearly.
  His fellow deputies knew they could count on McCowan when he was 
serving alongside them. One of his colleagues described him as one of 
those guys you always wanted on your side. In 2021, he received the 
Sheriff's Office Lifesaving Award for rescuing a man from a burning 
vehicle.
  I give my sincere condolences and prayers of healing to Greg's 
parents, Dallas, Elizabeth, and Jeff; his fiancee, Leah; his children, 
Cayley and Cayden; Leah's children, Caven and Jacob; his sister, 
Charity; and everyone else who knew and loved him.
  I also thank a very good friend of mine, Blount County Sheriff James 
``Jimbo'' Berrong for his leadership through this tragedy.
  He is a good friend of mine, and I know he has been working so hard 
to

[[Page H574]]

take care of his department and deal with this incredible loss.
  Earlier today, they caught the murderer, and it was due to east 
Tennessee law enforcement's tireless work to bring him to justice.
  We can never forget exactly how much our law enforcement sacrifices 
to keep us safe every day, Mr. Speaker. My prayer is that this never 
happens to any of your communities.

                          ____________________