[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 84 (Wednesday, May 15, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H3209-H3210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DON LEE BLANKENSHIP

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Correa) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
my very good friend, Don Lee Blankenship.

[[Page H3210]]

  Don was a husband, grandfather, and longtime Orange County resident, 
a lifelong law enforcement officer who proudly served the city of Santa 
Ana for 25 years. As president of the Police Officers Association, he 
represented those whom we refer to as the thin blue line that protects 
our communities.
  Don was also passionate about honoring fallen officers and dedicated 
over 20 years to the California Peace Officers' Memorial Foundation, 
where we worked together to remember those who have made the ultimate 
sacrifice.
  Don was also a devout member of Santiago de Compostela Catholic 
Church. He loved to volunteer there, spend time with his family, and 
support Notre Dame football.
  Today, I join Don's children, grandchildren, neighbors, and friends 
in remembering his legacy. I thank Don for his dedication and 
protection of the Santa Ana community.


                    Honoring Sergeant Mike Gonzalez

  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Sergeant 
Mike Gonzalez, who served our country and our Santa Ana community for 
32 years.
  Sergeant Gonzalez served in the U.S. Navy for 7 years. He was born 
and raised in North Carolina but soon came to love our Orange County 
community and served the residents of the city of Santa Ana for 32 
years as a police officer.
  Sergeant Gonzalez is a hero on and off duty. On duty, he received 
service medals for his valor as a police officer. Off duty, he sprang 
into action in 2017 during a mass shooting in Las Vegas, where he saved 
many lives.
  I thank my good friend, Mike, for his service to our country and 
community. He represents the best Orange County has to offer.


                    Recognizing National Police Week

  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Police 
Week and the brave men and women who serve and protect Orange County.
  Beginning under President Kennedy in 1962, Police Week recognizes 
those who protect our neighborhoods. We also remember the brave men and 
women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
  Back home in Orange County, our police officers are essential to 
keeping our community safe. I am proud to have brought back $3 million 
just this year to renovate and upgrade police headquarters in Fullerton 
and Stanton.
  I thank all the police officers at home and across the country for 
keeping us and keeping our neighborhoods safe. We are proud to have 
their service.

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