[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 14, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E493]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING FIVE LAFAYETTE POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICERS FOR HEROIC ACTION IN 
                            THE LINE OF DUTY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CLAY HIGGINS

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2024

  Mr. HIGGINS of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor five members 
of the Lafayette Police Department (LPD) for heroic actions in the line 
of duty.
  For their united display of valor, Corporal Adam Bradford, Corporal 
Maverick Morvant, Officer Hali Bradford, Officer Alan Cortez, and 
Officer Raynard Ford have earned their designation as 2024 recipients 
of the National Association of Police Organizations' ``TOP COP'' award.
  In the early morning of August 5, 2023, LPD Officers Bradford, 
Cortez, and Ford responded to a ``Disturbance in Progress'' call. As 
they arrived on scene, the officers heard a woman cry for help from 
within the residence. While attempting entry, the perpetrator forced 
the door shut. Officer Ford promptly breached the door, discovering a 
young woman and two children, who the officers quickly evacuated. The 
perpetrator, who had retreated deeper into the residence, reappeared 
and opened fire on the officers without warning. Officer Bradford was 
targeted by the perpetrator, incurring injuries that left her paralyzed 
from the waist-down. Officers Cortez and Ford immediately returned fire 
with their service weapons, striking the perpetrator multiple times. 
Meanwhile, Officer Cortez stepped forward to draw fire from Officer 
Bradford, sustaining gunshot wounds in the process.
  While bleeding heavily and fighting to remain conscious, Officer 
Bradford dutifully withdrew from the line of fire, drew her service 
weapon, and communicated her condition to her colleagues. Still under 
fire, Officer Ford left cover and rushed to Officer Bradford's aid, 
dragging her further to safety. LPD Corporal Bradford and Corporal 
Morvant then arrived on scene, assuming aid of Officer Bradford. With a 
determination that she could not wait for an ambulance, they placed 
Officer Bradford in a service vehicle. As Corporal Morvant drove, 
Corporal Bradford administered first aid. They reached a nearby 
hospital in just three minutes, where she underwent lifesaving surgery.
  This lifesaving outcome, despite extraordinarily adverse 
circumstances, is a credit to the heroism, professionalism, and 
teamwork of these five police officers. Scripture tells us, ``Greater 
love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his 
friends.'' Without hesitation, these officers demonstrated such a 
commitment, in defense of our community and one other. This is 
emblematic of the very finest of the Thin Blue Line.
  On behalf of Louisiana's 3rd District, I ask the blessings of our 
Lord upon Corporal Bradford, Corporal Morvant, Officer Bradford, 
Officer Cortez, and Officer Ford for their service and sacrifice. God 
bless them one and all.

                          ____________________